Paul Merson arrested on suspicion of drink-driving after motorway crash

Former Arsenal footballer Paul Merson has been arrested on suspicion of drink-driving after allegedly crashing his Mercedes into a huge Ministry of Defence lorry.

The 43-year-old, who has a history of drug and alcohol problems, reportedly smashed into the back of the 45-foot government lorry on the M40 in the early hours of yesterday morning.

The former England star is said to have hit the 40-ton truck when it was travelling at 50mph in the northbound slow lane near Warwick.

Police are said to have taken Merson to hospital with a gashed head. Blood samples were taken for analysis.

His ex-wife Louise, mother of his 10-year-old twins, collected him. She told The Sun: "He's quite badly shaken but he's OK. He's on his feet and up and about."

A police spokesman said: "A 43-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of driving with excess alcohol."

A spokesman for Paul Merson said: "Nothing has been proven yet, we have no comment."