Burglar accuses footballer of assault

EVERTON striker Duncan Ferguson is being investigated

The Scottish footballer discovered 37-year-old Carl Bishop at his home in Formby, Merseyside, last week.

He tackled the intruder and

managed to restrain him until police arrived.

The break-in comes two years and a day after Ferguson tackled two

burglars at his former home in

Rufford, Lancashire. Both were jailed for 15 months last April.

Bishop, of Walton, Liverpool,

admitted intent to steal when he

appeared before North Sefton magistrates last week.

He will be sentenced at Liverpool Crown Court next month.

But the criminal has accused 6ft 4in Ferguson of assaulting him during the confrontation.

Merseyside Police are investigating the allegation and officers will speak to Ferguson in the near future.

He will not be arrested but is likely to be interviewed under caution with a solicitor present.

A spokeswoman for the force said: “We are investigating an allegation of assault made against the householder in connection with the incident.”

A spokesman for the club declined to comment on the incident.

But Ferguson’s friend and former legal adviser Kevin Dooley says the player “vehemently denies” the allegation.

Mr Dooley adds Ferguson himself was injured in the tussle.