Paul Gascoigne goes AWOL again

Paul Gascoigne has sparked fresh fears for his wellbeing after failing to return home to Britain as promised.

The troubled ex-footballer was expected back in the UK at the weekend after spending a week on tour in Europe with rock band Iron Maiden. However, after rowing with relatives over the phone, he chose not to board his flight home.

A source close to Gazza's parents Carol and John told the Daily Star: "They don't know where he is. He told them he was coming home but he didn't catch his flight.

"His mum is really upset. The whole thing is making her ill with worry. She just wants him to get help but he seems to be in self-destruct mode."

Gascoigne appeared to be on the road to recovery last month after being discharged from rehab, where he received treatment for his alcohol addiction. However, while on tour with Iron Maiden, he reportedly wasted thousands of pounds on booze and passed out after one binge.

The insider added: "He's missing somewhere in Europe. His relatives had warned him that going on tour with a heavy metal band wasn't the best way to stay sober. But he wanted to do it and he will not be controlled."