Manchester United great Ryan Giggs has been cleared of assault allegations against his ex-girlfriend and her sister.

Charges have been withdrawn by the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) at a hearing at Manchester Crown Court.

Judge Hilary Manley announced that he was not guilty on all three counts.

Giggs, 48, has always denied assault and controlling or coercive behaviour towards Kate Greville, 38, and assaulting her sister Emma.

Gigg's barrister, Chris Daw KC, said: "Mr Giggs is deeply relieved that the case has finally come to an end after almost three years of fighting to clear his name.

"He now intends to rebuild his life and career as an innocent man."