Everton winger Aaron Lennon detained under Mental Health Act

Everton winger Aaron Lennon has been detained by police by a busy roadside under the Mental Health Act over concerns for his well-being.

The 30-year-old, who has been capped 21 times by England, was taken to hospital after he was found wandering close to the M602 motorway in Salford on 30 April, the Daily Mail reported.

A spokesman for Greater Manchester Police said: "Police were called at around 4.35pm on Sunday, April 30, 2017 to reports of a concern for the welfare of a man.

"Officers attended and a 30-year-old man was detained under Section 136 of the Mental Health Act and was taken to hospital for assessment."

Everton released a statement saying Lennon was undergoing treatment for a "stress-related illness". "The club is supporting him through this and his family has appealed for privacy at this time," the statement read.

Lennon's representatives, Base Soccer Agency, tweeted: "Everyone at Base Soccer sends their support to @AaronLennon12 – get well soon and stay strong."

Former Liverpool striker Stan Collymore, who battled clinical depression during his playing career, said on Twitter: "Thoughts and love with Aaron Lennon and his family right now. I know that place, and I know he'll be fine with good support from us all."

Former England cricketer Andrew Flintoff tweeted: "Lots of love and wishes @AaronLennon12 another cruel example of how mental illness can effect anybody."

Sky Sports reported that Lennon was being treated at a hospital in north-west England.

Who is Aaron Lennon?

Lennon has made 11 Premier League appearances for Everton this season. He last played for the club in a goalless draw with Middlesbrough on 11 February.

The 30-year-old joined the Toffees from Tottenham Hotspur on a three-year deal for a reported fee of £4.5m ($5.8m) in the summer of 2015.

Lennon was born in the Chapelwood area of Leeds and started his career through his hometown club's academy.

He was spotted by scouts aged eight and became the youngest player ever to have his boots sponsored after signing a deal with Adidas as a 14-year-old.

His older brother Anthony played for Manchester United's youth team.

What is section 136 of the Mental Health Act?

■ The police can use Section 136 when a person is in public. They can hold the person where they are or take them to a place of safety.

■ A place of safety could be home, a friend's or relative's home, a hospital or a police station.
A person should then get a mental health assessment.

■ Medical examiners can keep you for up to 24 hours. This can be extended for 12 hours.
After mental health assessment a person may be discharged, or may stay in hospital under a different section of the Mental Health Act.

■ Under Section 136 a person has the right to be told why they have been detained, get legal advice, ask the police or hospital to tell someone where they are and get mental health treatment.