Gateshead, England - Former England midfielder Paul Gascoigne has been detained under the Mental Health Act.
Northumbria Police say they received a report of concern for a 40-year-old man staying at the Hilton Hotel in Gateshead, northeast England, on Wednesday night.
Under usual police protocol, the individual is not named. But all major British news organisations report the man was Gascoigne. He is reportedly receiving medical treatment.
Gascoigne made 57 appearances for England and was widely regarded as the most gifted player of his generation. But his career was cut short by injuries and off-field troubles, including heavy drinking.
Last May, a day after his 40th birthday, Gascoigne needed emergency surgery on a perforated stomach ulcer. - Sapa-AP