Gascoigne in hospital after car crash

Former England star Paul Gascoigne has been taken to hospital after suffering serious injuries in a car crash in Newcastle.

Gascoigne, who played for Newcastle, Tottenham, Lazio and Rangers among others in an illustrious career, is said to be comfortable following the incident on Sunday in the city’s Quayside area.

The 43-year-old, who became a global star after his performances at the 1990 World Cup, was a passenger in a car which is believed to have left the road before hitting a signpost.

Gascoigne’s injuries were described as “serious but not life-threatening” and a 36-year-old woman has been arrested on suspicion of drink driving.

Joyce Wemyss, manager of the Bob Trollop and Red House bars on the Quayside, saw the crash while she was working.

“I just heard the sounds of tyres screeching very loud and saw a dark blue car come pelting round the corner from under the Tyne Bridge,” she said.

“The driver lost control and went smack into the side of the Guildhall, hitting the taxi rank sign as it went.

“There was a lot of smoke coming from the car and all the taxi drivers from the rank outside the pub went running over.”

A Northumbria Police spokesman added: “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.”

Since quitting football in 2004, Gascoigne has been blighted by drink problems and was arrested twice in two days for alcohol-related crimes in February.

He will stand trial in late July accused of driving while more than four times over the legal alcohol limit.

Gascoigne pleaded not guilty to the drink-driving charge and also denied driving without insurance during his recent appearance before magistrates in North Yorkshire.