Clarke Carlisle found safe and well in Liverpool after being reported missing by concerned family

Clarke Carlisle, the former QPR, Leeds, Watford and Burnley defender, has been found safe and well in Liverpool, police confirmed.

Lancashire Police said in a statement: "Great news. Former footballer Clarke Carlisle, 37, who went missing has been found safe and well in Liverpool this evening. Many thanks to everyone who helped with our appeal to find him."

His wife, Carrie, said shortly after 7pm: "Clarke has been found. Due to you all who have so kindly looked for him and shared he was missing. We all owe you a debt of gratitude.@

Carlisle's family, friends and the police had become "increasingly concerned" about his welfare after he was reported missing on Friday morning.

Carlisle was thought to have travelled to Manchester having last been seen by a family member in Preston on Thursday.

"We have a received a report that Clarke Carlisle, 37, from Preston is missing from home," said a statement from Lancashire Police.

Carlisle, who made more than 500 appearances for nine clubs during his playing career from 1997 to 2013, has a history of addiction issues and mental illness.

He had 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.

"We would also appeal directly to Clarke himself to contact us if he sees this appeal to let us know he is safe."

Carlisle's wife Carrie tweeted: "#Missing Clarke's last known whereabouts was Manchester City Centre at 6am (Friday). If you see him please get in touch."

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