Intruder tackled at Beckingham Palace

An intruder carrying a petrol can was tackled by security guards inside the grounds of David and Victoria Beckham’s British home, it was confirmed last night.

The man scaled a 7ft wall at the couple’s home in Hertfordshire and was heading for the main buildings when he was tackled.

Guards said he was ranting about the England captain, and police confirmed a 38-year-old has been arrested on suspicion of carrying equipment to damage the mansion.

Victoria, aged 30, was alone with children Brooklyn and Romeo in her home – dubbed “Beckingham Palace” – at the time of the incident last night.

Her spokesman said a team of five guards apprehended the man before police officers and a helicopter arrived at the scene.

Police said that the suspect, of Harlow, has been arrested on suspicion of possessing a controlled drug and an article to cause criminal damage.

He has been released on police bail to return to Hertford police station on September 24.

Victoria is said to have been concerned, but remained calm when security guards informed her of the security breach.

The security system at the couple’s home in Sawbridgeworth is thought to have caught the intruder on CCTV camera and triggered a direct link to local police.

A police spokesman confirmed that the man was found in the grounds of the 24-acre estate by staff at around 8.20pm and questioned at a nearby station.

David, aged 29, was away from the house as he is in Spain preparing to begin pre-season training with his club Real Madrid.