Former England soccer player Paul Gascoigne has been arrested on suspicion of causing criminal damage, British media reported.

Gascoigne, 41, who has been battling alcohol and mental health problems, was held at a house in Gateshead, northern England, media said.

"A 41-year-old man was arrested at an address in Gateshead on suspicion of criminal damage," a police spokesman said.

She would not confirm the man's identity or give details of the offence.

Mr Gascoigne, who won more than 50 caps for England between 1988 and 1998, was detained under the Mental Health Act in February and again in June.

British newspapers today carried pictures of "Gazza", as the player is known to fans around the world, banging on the window of a pub at 9:45 a.m. before visiting a shop to buy alcohol.

Gascoigne, one of the most gifted midfielders England has produced, played for Newcastle, Tottenham Hotspur, Rangers, Middlesbrough, Everton and Lazio in Italy.