Doherty owns up to drug relapse

Doherty is said to be "filled with remorse" for his latest relapse

Singer Pete Doherty has admitted he has suffered a drug relapse and has pledged to seek further help in his attempts to tackle his heroin addiction.

"Peter sadly relapsed last week and is now looking to check himself back into a rehab clinic," said a spokesman for his record company, EMI.

"He realises that he has not only let himself down but has let down those who trusted and encouraged his efforts."

The statement follows newspaper photos of Doherty apparently injecting heroin.

The mobile phone images, published in The Sun, were said to have been taken on Friday.

"Peter would like to apologise to the medical staff, fans and well-wishers who have helped and encouraged his progress," the statement reads.

Peter is filled with remorse for what he describes today as 'a stupid, stupid action' EMI statement

"His ongoing rehabilitation was a source of such pride to him that Peter and those closest to him thought that he was close to winning his personal battle with the drug.

"He is filled with remorse for what he describes today as 'a stupid, stupid action for which I feel only shame'."

Last month the 28-year-old - due to start a UK arena tour with his Babyshambles band on 22 November - was handed a suspended prison term for drugs and motoring offences.

Doherty's relapse followed his appearance last week at the MTV Europe Music Awards in Munich, where organisers praised his punctuality and professionalism.

In an interview with NME magazine published this week, he admitted he had found staying off drugs "hard work".