Former Watford player Clarke Carlisle has been found safe, police have said.

Lancashire Police said the former Hornets defender was found in Liverpool and thanked the public for sharing a missing persons appeal.

The force tweeted: "Great news folks. Clarke Carlisle has been found safe in Liverpool. Thanks to everyone who shared our appeal. Have a good weekend."

The 37-year-old had last been seen by a family member in Preston yesterday afternoon, sparking concern.

Reports of his disappearance first emerged on social media this morning.

Lancashire Police said Carlisle was last seen by a family member on the Flag Market in Preston at about 2.30pm yesterday, although they believe he may have travelled to Manchester.

Carlisle's wife Carrie - who is six months pregnant - 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."

The player's former club Burnley posted on their official Twitter account: "Our thoughts are with Clarke Carlisle and his family today. Stay safe Clarke x."

Carlisle, who was at Vicarage Road from 2005 to 2007, attempted to take his own life in December 2014 following a battle with depression, alcoholism and gambling.

The former Professional Footballers' Association chairman, who made more than 500 appearances for nine clubs during his playing career, has a history of mental illness.

He 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.