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Paul Gascoigne’s 22-year-old nephew has been found dead after a battle with addiction which left the Gateshead man feeling “trapped.”

Jay Kerrigan’s body was found in Warwick Court, Gateshead . Paramedics were called to the block-of-flats at around 12.30am on Saturday.

Jay’s mum, Anna, is the sister of former England star Paul Gascoigne . Jay lived with her, his sister Harley and stepdad Michael in Warwick Court.

The admin worker, who was employed by Groundwork North East, had posted messages detailing his troubles with addiction and attempts to conquer it.

In January, he wrote: “Addiction is a disease, I was born with it. I haven’t smiled in years, I feel trapped. For heavens sake I’ve just came out of emergency heart surgery and now I’m back on it again.”

His stepfather, Michael, posted a tribute to Jay on Facebook.

It said: “Broken hearts you’ve left behind, peacefulness you have found, stay safe our shining star, our beautiful son your never far.”

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Hundreds of message supporting the family have been posted on social media pages.

His mum posted several pictures of Jay on Facebook after the news of his death broke. In reply, friends offer their condolences to the devastating news.

Jay’s cause of death is not known but police do not believe anyone else is involved.

In 2013, a 19-year-old Jay made a passionate plea supporting his famous uncle in his fight with alcoholism.

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He said: “People have said he is in the last chance saloon. But I really think he can pull through again.

“He has to surround himself with good people – maybe he has not always done that in the past – and I just hope and pray he will be better soon.”

“My grandma is really against alcohol, Paul has had a bad life with it and she is quite vocal about that.”

“I know grandad feels the same way, Paul is his son and he just wants him to get better, he knows we are all here for him.”

Gazza posted a series of emotional tweets this morning, where he said the news of Jay’s death has brought him to tears. He added he is going to seek help for his own addiction problem.