Everton striker Duncan Ferguson will not be prosecuted for allegedly assaulting a burglar he caught in his home, police said today.
Ferguson acted within reason, say police
Everton striker Duncan Ferguson will not be prosecuted for allegedly assaulting a burglar he caught in his home, police said today.
The Scottish footballer struggled with 37-year-old Carl Bishop after finding him at his luxury home in Formby, Merseyside, last week.
He restrained Bishop until police arrived but the burglar later claimed Ferguson had assaulted him.
Police officers interviewed the 32-year-old player, known to fans as "Big Dunc", but decided that he acted reasonably to protect his wife and young daughter.
Assistant Chief Constable Ian McPherson said: "Merseyside Police will not be taking action against Duncan Ferguson following the complaint of assault.
"We have made an informed decision not to proceed given the circumstances that he was faced with a man who was attempting to burgle his home.
"Mr Ferguson was in the security of his home with his wife and child when this happened."
The break-in came two years and a day after the Scottish hardman tackled two burglars at his former home in Rufford, Lancs.
One of the pair ran away but the other required three days of hospital treatment following the struggle.
Both were jailed for 15 months in April 2001.