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Former PFA chairman Clarke Carlisle reported missing

Former Professional Footballers' Association chairman Clarke Carlisle has been reported missing, Lancashire Police have announced.

Reports of Carlisle's disappearance first emerged on social media on Friday morning.

"We have a received a report that Clarke Carlisle, 37, from Preston is missing from home," a statement from Lancashire Police said.

"Enquiries are on-going to trace him. Anyone who may have seen him or knows where he could be is asked to call us on 101 quoting log 0235 of September 15th."

Former Burnley and Leeds defender Carlisle, who made more than 500 appearances for nine clubs during his playing career from 1997 to 2013, has a history of mental illness.

He has 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.

Carlisle attempted to take his own life in December 2014 following a battle with depression, alcoholism and gambling.

Lancashire Police said he was last seen by a family member on the Flag Market in Preston at about 2:30 p.m. on Thursday, although they believe he may have travelled to Manchester.

Detective chief inspector Steve Holgate said: "We are extremely concerned about Clarke and we would urge anyone who sees him or knows where he is to get in touch with us.

"We would also appeal directly to Clarke himself to contact us if he sees this appeal to let us know he is safe."

Carlisle's wife Carrie 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."

Lancashire Police have described Carlisle as Afro-Caribbean, six-foot-four inches tall, slim build and with tattoos on his arms.

He was last seen wearing a black zip up jacket, a black T shirt, blue jeans and Nike trainers.

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