Ricky Hatton 'caught taking cocaine'

Ricky Hatton has allegedly been caught on film snorting cocaine in a Manchester hotel.

The boxer, whose last fight was in May 2009, reportedly went on a ten-hour binge two weeks ago, drinking 11 pints of Guinness, four vodkas, two glasses of wine and several Sambucas.

According to the News of the World, he took seven lines of cocaine over the course of the evening, some of which were filmed by his friend and fellow boxer Emma Bowe.

A source said: "Hatton has been partying hard and is an accident waiting to happen. For a professional sportsman, it's totally unbelievable what he's doing to his body. He needs help and quickly."

Bowe said: "I'm only talking about this because Ricky is a danger to himself. If he carries on like this he'll kill himself. I'm really, really worried for him, especially if he tries to make a comeback in the ring as he's hinted - he could have a heart attack.

"I'm doing this for Ricky's own good. I hope he gets help and advice before cocaine destroys him." She went on to describe Hatton's erratic behaviour during a visit to a city nightclub.

A family friend added: "This has come as a shock to the family. It is a loving family. We will stand by Ricky."

If caught or convicted of taking drugs, boxers are in breach of the British Boxing Board of Control's regulation 25 and face being suspended, fined or having their licence withdrawn.