New hospital dash for Romeo

David and Victoria Beckham were 'desperately worried' about their son Romeo last night after taking him to hospital with convulsions for the second time in four days.

The three-year-old boy, who had a fever of nearly 42c (107.6f), is expected to be in hospital for four days as doctors carry out extensive tests.

In July he was taken to hospital near the family's Hertfordshire home with convulsions. He was kept under observation for several hours but made a full recovery.

Beckham, 30, postponed plans to fly to England yesterday ahead of Saturday's World Cup qualifier against Austria to be at his son's bedside in Madrid.

A source at the Ruber International Hospital, six miles from the Beckhams' £5million home, said: 'Romeo suffered convulsions at home over Monday night and a fever of almost 42c.

'His parents were very worried when they brought him in and have been at his side at all times.'

A friend of the family said: 'David and Victoria are desperately worried about Romeo's health. David has always said the only thing more important to him than football is his family.

'To see your son in hospital twice in a week is a terrifying experience for anyone.'

The Ruber is one of Spain's leading private hospitals and is where Victoria, 31, had youngest son Cruz in February. Cruz and eldest son Brooklyn, six, stayed at home during yesterday's drama. It was the second hospital dash for Romeo in four days. On Saturday his parents took him to the public La Paz hospital, where he spent two hours before being allowed home.

After the latest incident doctors have reassured his parents that he will be fine. Beckham is expected to fly to England today.

Febrile convulsions, or fits, are common in children up to the age of five. Around one in 20 is at risk.

The trigger is rapidly rising body temperature, usually as a result of an infection. The standard advice for parents is to seek medical help if a child's temperature exceeds 39c (102f) compared with normal body temperature of 37c (98.4f). Watching a child have a convulsion is frightening for parents. The child loses consciousness and throws back their head, while the legs and arms begin to jerk.