Farm Shooting Pair Had Been Burgled Before

A couple arrested after two burglars were shot at their remote farm cottage had been burgled several times before, their family has told Sky News.

Police went to the home of Andy Ferrie, 35, and wife Tracey, 43, early on Sunday morning when a man rang 999 to say he had opened fire with a shotgun on four intruders.

Andy's stepfather Maris Spilner told Sky the pair's farm cottage in Welby, Leicestershire, had been broken into three or four times.

He said Andy's mother Susan was distressed, awaiting news of when they would be released.

"Susan is distraught, we're just waiting to find out what's going to happen," he said.

"She's upset and has the added pressure that Andy's sister is due to give birth in the next two weeks."

He added: "We did speak to the police yesterday and they told us they would let us know when Andy and Tracey will be released.

"But we haven't heard anything yet, and we're hoping to hear from them today."

It is understood Mr Ferrie grabbed a shotgun, which was legally owned, and shot two of the four intruders before calling police.

The couple, who run a caravan and motor home firm, remain in custody while they are questioned on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm.

Neither suffered any injuries during the shooting.

Leicestershire Police said officers were called to the cottage at around 12.30am.

Five minutes later, paramedics were called to treat a man with shotgun injuries. It is understood that call was made by one of the suspected burglars.

Later, a second man was treated for shotgun injuries after arriving at Leicester Royal Infirmary. Their injuries are not life threatening, police said.

The two men, along with two others, were all arrested at the hospital on suspicion of aggravated burglary. The four suspects are aged 27, 23, 31 and 33.

The cottage has been sealed off as police investigations continue. Forensic experts were reportedly examining blood stains about a hundred yards up the road.

Welby church warden Sam Willder, 66, told the Leicester Mercury: "It is a shock because it is such a quiet, peaceful area. You might expect this kind of thing in Leicester, perhaps, but not out here in the countryside."

He said his church - which dates back to 1120 - has been plagued by thieves and vandals in the past.

He said: "Recently, though, things have been much quieter and we are grateful for that. This is an awful thing."

Local farmers told the paper the area has been increasingly targeted by car thieves in recent years.

One said: "We had three Land Rovers stolen. We had fitted one with a tracker and it was recovered in Birmingham."