Calum Davenport, the West Ham United footballer, has denied assaulting a woman during an incident in which he was stabbed in both legs.

The 26-year-old defender was charged by Bedfordshire Police this afternoon with assault causing actual bodily harm on a woman. Another man, Worrell Whitehurst, 25, appeared in court charged with attacking Davenport and his mother, 49-year-old Kim Stupple, in the driveway of her home in Bedford in August.

"I am deeply shocked and disappointed at the decision that has been made to charge me with assault," Davenport said. "I deny any wrongdoing and will plead not guilty. For legal reasons, I am unable to discuss the matter further at this time."

Press Association sources claim the woman assaulted was Davenport's sister Cara, 28.

"Professional footballer Calum Davenport has been charged with assault causing actual bodily harm on a woman following an incident in Bedford on August 22," a police statement read. "Mr Davenport, 26, is currently on bail to appear at Bedford Magistrates' Court on November 10."

The footballer suffered heavy bleeding and was admitted to hospital for emergency surgery following the incident. Davenport, a former England Under-21 international, underwent emergency surgery at Bedford Hospital for stab wounds to both legs after an incident at his mother's home at 5am.

Davenport cost West Ham £3 million when he joined them from Tottenham during the summer of 2007. He spent a spell on loan at Premier League rivals Sunderland last season and has also been loaned out to Watford.

The centre back started his career at Coventry and has also played on loan at Southampton and Norwich.

Whitehurst, Cara Davenport's boyfriend, is due to appear at Luton Crown Court on November 16.