Singer Campbell accused of drink driving

The country singer Glen Campbell was accused yesterday of "extreme drunken driving", smashing into another car, fleeing the scene and, after he was arrested, assaulting a police officer in his hometown of Phoenix, Arizona.

The 67-year-old singer of such hits as "Rhinestone Cowboy" and "By The Time I Get To Phoenix" has admitted problems with alcohol in the past, but has no criminal record and recently stated on his website that he had kicked the drinking habit for good.

He was released yesterday on $2,000 (£1,200) bail. His son Shannon, 18, asked his fans to "pray for him and any other people who have the same problem".

Phoenix police said Mr Campbell was followed home by a witness after his silver BMW hit a white Toyota at a junction. The other driverwas not hurt. The singer was found to have more than 0.15 per cent alcohol in his system - Arizona's definition of "extreme" drunkenness.

While in custody, he was said to have displayed severe mood swings, muttering about his fame, singing his old hits and demanding to see the police chief.