Police will investigate the recent incident in which England footballer Ashley Cole shot a work experience student in the side with an air-gun at Chelsea’s training grounds.
21-year-old sports science intern Tom Cowan was shot in the side at close range by Cole who was “larking about” with a .22 air rifle at Chelsea’s training ground in Cobham last Sunday.
Cowan was treated at the scene by Chelsea clubs medics.
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The incident was not reported to police but the boys in blue are now on the case and will almost certainly question Cole.
Surrey Police confirmed: “While no direct allegation has been made, the matter has been brought to our attention through reports in the media and we will be contacting the club to establish whether any criminal offence has been committed.”
In a statement Chelsea said: “We have fully investigated the incident and we are taking appropriate action. We will not be commenting further as it is an internal matter.”
Theoretically Cole could be charged with actual bodily harm, which carries a maximum penalty of five years’ imprisonment and a fine however Cowan would need to make an allegation to police for this to happen.