» Footballer in drinks spike claim

Everton footballer Andy van der Meyde is recovering in hospital after claiming his drinks were spiked during a night out in Liverpool.

Ambulance crews were called to the 26-year-old's home in Bebington on the Wirral in the early hours after he suffered breathing problems.

Following claims the Dutchman's drinks were spiked, police spoke to staff and viewed CCTV footage from two bars.

Detectives said their investigations into the incident are continuing.

They are awaiting the results of a blood test as the player recovers in Arrowe Park Hospital.

A police spokeswoman said: "We were called to an address on the Wirral from a woman who claimed that her partner had had his drinks spiked.

"We are looking at CCTV taken at city centre bars and investigations are continuing."

A spokesman for Everton FC confirmed that van der Meyde had been admitted to hospital on Monday morning suffering from illness.

"His progress is currently being monitored by hospital staff," he said.

"The club will be making no further comment on the incident until after Merseyside Police has concluded its ongoing investigation into the circumstances surrounding Andy's admission into hospital."