Louis Tomlinson's estranged father has attempted suicide.

The One Direction star's dad, Troy Austin - who he hasn't spoken to for three years - was reportedly found by police on Tuesday night (18.08.15) at 6pm at Cantley park, Doncaster in South Yorkshire, North England, trying to gas himself in his friend's car after drinking a can of lager.

Friends of Troy claim he is suffering from depression after being ''disowned'' by his friends and is a heavy drinker and ''habitual'' marijuana user.

A family friend told The Sun newspaper: ''It's tragic. He's lost all of his friends. They've all disowned him. This isn't about Louis.

''He is drinking heavily and a habitual dope smoker and that will mess with your mind.''

The 46 year old - who left Louis' mum Johannah Poulston when he was five years old - was found after worried relatives reported him missing and he was later arrested on suspicion of drink-driving and taken to Doncaster police station where he is believed to have continued to self harm.

The 1D star's father was moved to a nearby hospital where he is being treated and later appeared in front of a magistrates court on Wednesday morning (19.08.15).

A prosecutor released a statement confirming the incident.

Prosecutor Joanne Lewis-Crookes said: ''This is an unfortunate set of events. The police were called in this case due to concerns about Mr Austin.

''He had been reported as a missing person and there were real concerns about his mental state and well-being.

''It is suspected he went off, having borrowed a friend's car, to kill himself.''

Troy's defender Ross Wagstaff added that his client had had a row with his brother about The Caribbean hotel they own together and was not in a fit state - as he has been homeless - to give a specimen.

He added: ''There's a lot of background to this case. The root of it is a fall-out with a family member which had financial implications on a business they had together and circumstances which have led him to being homeless today.

''He has no fixed abode. That has been the case for a period of time.''

Representatives for the One Direction singer are yet to comment.