Gascoigne arrested over 'drunken attack' on ex wife

Troubled former football star Paul Gascoigne has been arrested over a suspected drunken assault at a railway station. The ex-England football star was taken into custody in Stevenage, Hertfordshire, before later being released without charge.

The Mirror newspaper claimed that Gascoigne attacked a security guard before then turning on his former wife Sheryl.

A Hertfordshire Police spokeswoman said: "Police were called to a report of a man allegedly being drunk and disorderly at Stevenage railway station at 10:30pm on Thursday 4 July.

"Officers attended the location and arrested a 46-year-old male on suspicion of common assault and being drunk and disorderly."

The Mirror says that Gascoigne spent 12 hours in a cell and revealed more details about the incident:

"Witnesses told police alcoholic Gazza arrived at Stevenage train station in Hertfordshire on Thursday night boozed-up and shouting abuse," the paper claims.

"When a security guard confronted the former Newcastle, Spurs and Lazio midfielder, he allegedly lunged at him and grabbed him by the throat.

"It is understood mum-of-three Sheryl arrived moments later and tried to step in but Gazza grabbed her arm, it is claimed."

Sheryl, who has campaigned about domestic abuse after suffering at the hands of Gascoigne during their marriage, refused to comment.

Earlier this year Gascoigne spent more than a month at a clinic in Phoenix, Arizona, during which he was treated in intensive care for alcoholism.

Gascoigne later revealed that doctors said it was the worst detox they had ever seen when the shock of giving up alcohol sent his body into seizure.

That stint in rehab was organised by Talksport presenter and former England cricketer Ronnie Irani and Radio 2 presenter Chris Evans, a long-term friend of Gascoigne.

The move came following a charity appearance in Northampton during which the star appeared unwell and shaking, before breaking down and sobbing on stage in front of a room full of fans.

After his treatment in the US, Gascoigne admitted on Alan Carr's 'Chatty Man' show last April that he "still misses a pint" and said he was unsure if he could stay on the wagon.

"Sometimes I think, when am I ever going to learn my lesson?" he said.

"I sometimes think I’ll be all right with one drink, but then I get too excited and when I’m drunk I’m a nightmare.

"I do miss a pint, don’t get me wrong.

"Who knows, I might drink in the future? Never say never. I don’t want to, and I don’t plan to.”

The world of football has consistently shown its concern over Gascoigne, one of England's most naturally gifted players ever.

Gascoigne, who has often spoken about his alcoholism problems in the past, was sectioned five years ago under the Mental Health Act.