Paul Gascoigne in hospital after car crash

Paul Gascoigne (Getty)

Former footballer Paul Gascoigne was in hospital today following a car crash, police said.

The former England, Newcastle and Tottenham midfielder was in a serious but not life-threatening condition at Newcastle General Hospital following the accident in the city at 9.45pm yesterday.

The 43-year-old, who has battled drink and drug addiction and depression since the end of his playing career, was one of three people in a Vauxhall Astra which crashed at Sandhill on Newcastle's quayside.

A Northumbria Police spokesman said: "For reasons yet to be established, the car left the road and collided with a lamppost.

"A female driver and two male passengers were taken to hospital with injuries which were not described as life-threatening.

"A 36-year-old woman has been arrested on suspicion of drink- driving and bailed pending further inquiries.

"The condition of the two men in hospital has been described as serious but not life-threatening. The woman has been discharged."

A spokesman for Newcastle General Hospital said he could make no comment.

Gazza's agent, Kenny Shepherd, was unavailable for comment.

The dark blue Astra crashed into a lamppost next to Newcastle's historic Guildhall, close to the Tyne Bridge.

Fragments of car bodywork and shattered glass surrounded the bent and twisted lamppost, which was crushed against the building's 19th century east pillars.

The scene was cordoned off by police today.