Gascoigne sectioned after hotel 'incident'

Former England soccer star Paul Gascoigne has been sectioned under the Mental Health Act, sources said today. He was detained after Northumbria Police were called last night to a hotel in Gateshead.

A Northumbria Police spokesman said: "Police attended the Hilton Hotel in Gateshead yesterday evening after we received a report of concern for a 40-year-old man staying at the hotel."

"The man was detained under the Mental Health Act and no-one was injured during the incident."

Gascoigne has had a troubled history of emotional instability and erratic behaviour.

Once regarded as one of the world's best footballers, Gascoigne's playing career was plagued by personal problems, many linked to his heavy drinking.

He has has been treated on a number of occasions for drink and mental health problems.

In 2005, he was hospitalised with pneumonia, sparking fears over his long-term health, and last year he underwent emergency surgery for a perforated stomach ulcer.

He has also had several run-ins with the police over the years.