Footballer Ferguson fights off intruders

Footballer Duncan Ferguson has fought off two burglars during an incident at his home.

The fracas is understood to have happened just after 1am yesterday, and one youth was taken to hospital after the incident near Ormskirk, Lancashire.

The 29-year-old Everton player was also injured but did not need hospital treatment.

Club sources have confirmed the attempted burglary and neighbours say a police helicopter circled his home in the village of Rufford during the early hours.

Ferguson served 44 days in Barlinnie Prison in 1995 after headbutting an opponent while playing for Glasgow Rangers in 1994, becoming the first professional footballer to be jailed for an offence on the field.

A Lancashire Police spokesman declined to name the homeowner but confirmed that he suffered minor injuries to his head which did not require hospital treatment.

Praising his actions, he said: "He has been interviewed by the Lancashire Police and we are satisfied that he acted both bravely and responsibly when encountering these intruders in his home."

It is understood that Ferguson detained one of the intruders, who was taken by ambulance to Ormskirk District hospital, while the second fled the scene.

The police spokesman said a 21-year-old man had been arrested and was in hospital.