Clarke Carlisle found safe in Liverpool after going 'missing' around Manchester city centre

Fears for the 37-year-old’s whereabouts arose after his wife Carrie said he had last been seen in Manchester city centre on Friday morning.

Following the appeal to find the former Burnley, Queens Park Rangers and Leeds United player, Preston Police announced on their Twitter account that Carlisle was found safe in Liverpool.

Lancashire Police had said they were "extremely concerned" about Carlisle, who has openly discussed his mental health problems in the past.

Former wife Gemma had tweeted: "Last seen in Manchester area please keep eyes open if you know or see anything contact police or @MrsCCforDD or even myself."

The player's former club Burnley also posted on their official Twitter account: "Our thoughts are with Clarke Carlisle and his family today. Stay safe Clarke x."

Carlisle, PFA chairman between 2010 and 2013, attempted to take his own life in December 2014 following a battle with depression, alcoholism and gambling.

The former Professional Footballers' Association chairman, who made more than 500 appearances for nine clubs during his playing career, has a history of mental illness.

He launched a mental health charity called the Clarke Carlisle Foundation for Dual Diagnosis - a condition that has been described as "mental health problems co-occurring with drug or alcohol misuse".

The father-of-three remarried earlier this year and has worked to raise awareness of mental health issues.