Beckham's father has heart attack

David Beckham's father has suffered a heart attack, a spokesman for the England footballer has said.

Beckham is flying back from the US, where he plays for LA Galaxy, to see his father who is being treated at the Royal London Hospital.

The player boarded a flight in Los Angeles on Wednesday night and is expected to arrive at Heathrow later.

Ted Beckham, 59, is in a stable condition in the London Chest Hospital, a hospital trust spokesman said.

Mr Beckham was first taken to Whipps Cross Hospital, in Leytonstone, east London, before being transferred.

A spokesman for the footballer said: "His father has had a heart attack and is currently being treated in hospital. David is flying back to be with him."

Beckham's wife Victoria is working in Japan but has been informed and is "concerned", the spokesman added.

Former Manchester United star Beckham moved to Los Angeles at the end of last season after joining the Galaxy from Real Madrid.

Source: BBC Sport