BRITAIN: Former Tory prime minister Sir Edward Heath was in a London hospital last night after falling ill during a visit to Austria, his office said.
He was flown by air ambulance from Salzburg this morning after suffering a suspected pulmonary embolism - a blood clot on the lung.
A spokeswoman from the Tyrolean Air Ambulance, said he travelled with their medical team and his private secretary, but would not comment on his medical condition.
It was thought that Sir Edward (87) was taken to the King Edward VII hospital in central London.
Although the seriousness of his condition is unknown, it is understood Sir Edward was well enough to give instructions to his staff.
Pulmonary embolism is a condition commonly associated with so-called "economy class syndrome" or deep vein thrombosis. The sometimes deadly clots, usually originating in the veins of the leg in the form of DVT, can break free and travel up the body.
No further details were given by the ex-MP's staff but a spokesman issued a brief statement: "Sir Edward Heath has been admitted to hospital after being taken ill during a stay in Salzburg."
Rumours about the health of Sir Edward have been circulating in Westminster for several weeks.
Sir Edward left the House of Commons at the June 2001 election after serving as MP for 51 years.
He served for one-term as prime minister from 1970 before Mrs Margaret Thatcher took over as Tory leader in 1974. - (PA)