London, Sept.19 : Former England footballer Paul Gascoigne has been arrested on suspicion of causing criminal damage.

Though Northumbria Police would not confirm the identity of the man in custody, it is understood to be the former midfielder.

Gascoigne, who has battled alcohol addiction, was arrested at a house in the Dunston area of Gateshead.

It is understood that the former Newcastle, Tottenham and Lazio footballer was arrested following an incident with a freelance photographer outside the The Metz Experience pub, The Sun reports. In February Gascoigne was detained under the Mental Health Act following an incident at the Hilton Hotel in Gateshead after he was said to be acting as a "potential menace".

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".

Gascoigne has been treated numerous times for drink and mental health problems. He had an illustrious football career and is still perhaps best known for his exploits in the 1990 World Cup finals in Italy.

He appeared 57 times in an England shirt and scored 10 goals for his country.

But the talented midfielder has 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.

ANI