UK: Arrested for self-defense

'The householder is the victim here and justice should support them': MP backs homeowner who is held by police after 'burglars' were shot during break-in 

• Andy Ferrie, 35, and his wife Tracey, 43, have been arrested on suspicion of GBH
• Couple had been burgled multiple times and were hoping to start a new life in Australia
  
• Police received 999 call from homeowner Mr Ferrie, who allegedly opened fire on intruders at the isolated cottage in Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire
• Four men have been detained on suspicion of aggravated burglary

A government minister has issued an impassioned defence of two of his constituents, saying they should not be prosecuted for shooting two suspected burglars who allegedly broke into their remote farm cottage.

International Development Minister Alan Duncan, who is MP for Rutland and Melton, spoke out in support of homeowners Andy Ferrie, 35, and his wife Tracey, 43.

The couple were arrested in the early hours of Sunday after they were disturbed by the break-in at their home in the Welby area of Leicestershire, near Melton Mowbray.

They are presently being questioned by Leicestershire Police on suspicion of GBH.

It is understood Mr Ferrie grabbed a legally-owned shotgun and fired at two of the four intruders before calling the police himself.

Minister Mr Duncan said the Ferries should not face charges for defending their home.

'If this is a straightforward case of someone using a shotgun to defend themselves against burglars in the dead of night, then I would hope that the police will prosecute the burglars and not my constituents,' he said.

'The householder is the victim here and justice should support them and prosecute the burglars.'

Mr and Mrs Ferrie have reportedly been burgled three or four times at their 200-year-old farm cottage.

Police investigation: Forensic officers arrive at the house where Andy and Tracey Ferrie were arrested

The couple had only been back in the property for four weeks - after moving out because they were fed up with being targeted - when crooks struck again.

Mr Ferrie's stepfather Maris Spilner, 60, said the couple, who have been married for four years, had decided to emigrate to Australia in 2013.

The service engineer said: 'In the time they have lived in the cottage, I think they have been broken into a couple of times at least, but I couldn’t say for definite.

'This is very out of character, we were very shocked when we heard on Sunday.

'But if someone breaks into your home its a violation of your privacy, I’m sure there was a very good reason for what has happened.

'We don’t know what went on, we haven’t spoken to either of them since it happened and no one will tell us anything.

'They haven’t lived in the property again for that long - a few months maybe.

'They were preparing for their move overseas, they were hoping to emigrate to Australia - for the weather mainly.'

Mr Spilner confirmed that the couple did have a gun licence but could not confirm for what type of firearm.

He said: 'They weren’t part of any gun club that I am aware of, but they did have a gun license.

'I have never seen the firearm.'