[roamer]

Former England star Paul Gascoigne sectioned
under Mental Health Act:


Former England soccer hero Paul Gascoigne has been sectioned under the Mental Health Act after he was said to be acting as a "potential menace" at a luxury hotel.

Gascoigne was detained after Northumbria Police were called to the Hilton Hotel in Gateshead on Wednesday night.

It followed an incident at the Malmaison Hotel in Newcastle hours earlier, where the hotel said the star made other guests and staff feel "threatened".

The 40-year-old has been treated numerous times for drink and mental health problems. Police said there were no injuries.

A spokeswoman for Malmaison said: "He was a potential menace to other guests who felt threatened by his behaviour so he was picked up by his sister and then he went to the Hilton."

She added: "He moved towards the night porter who felt threatened." But she said the night porter is now "absolutely fine" and will not be pressing charges.

She said Gascoigne had been "absolutely charming" during his stay at the hotel before the incident.

A spokeswoman for Hilton Hotels said Gascoigne had been there for only a day. She said there was no trouble before police arrived and he checked in on Wednesday morning.

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.

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.