Former England footballer, 43, arrives in Rothbury as armed police are locked in a stand-off with Raoul Moat

Paul Gascoigne, the former England footballer, arrived in Rothbury to offer his support for Raoul Moat, the fugitive who was tonight in confrontation with armed police.

Talking to Real Radio Northeast, the 43-year-old appeared to suggest he had brought Moat, 37, a "can of lager, some chicken, a mobile phone and something to keep warm".

Gascoigne added: "He is willing to give in now. I just want to give him some therapy and say 'come on Moaty, it's Gazza'.

"He is all right – simple as that – and I am willing to help him. I have come all the way from Newcastle to Rothbury to find him, have a chat with him."

Gascoigne, who has battled with drink for much of his adult life, is a frequent visitor to Rothbury as the fishing is good locally.

"I guarantee, Moaty, he won't shoot me. I am good friends with him," he said.

Gascoigne's agent, Kenny Shepherd, said: "He's doing what? I am sitting having an evening meal in Majorca. I'm speechless."