IN a bizarre twist to the story, Newcastle and England football legend Paul Gascoigne, right, arrived in Rothbury to offer his support for Moat.

The 43-year-old told North- East radio station Real Radio he had brought the wanted man a ‘‘can of lager, some chicken, a mobile phone and something to keep warm’’.

Gascoigne, who is recovering after being involved in a serious road accident last month, said he knew Moat during the wanted man’s time as a doorman. He described the gunman as “a gentleman”.

‘‘He is willing to give in now.

I just want to give him some therapy and say ‘come on Moaty, it’s Gazza’,” he said.

‘‘He is alright – 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.

‘“I have brought him a fishing rod. I guarantee, Moaty, he won’t shoot me. I am good friends with him. He has calmed down.

“I’m risking my own life to make sure he is alright.”

Reflecting on what had led Moat to this situation, Gascoigne said: “Someone must have wound him up or done something.”

Reacting with shock to the news Gascoigne was in Rothbury, his agent, Kenny Shepherd, said: ‘‘He’s doing what?

I am sitting having an evening meal in Majorca. I’m speechless.’’