Shotgun farmer aimed at fox but hit burglars

Edward Tibbs, 62, fired his shotgun three times into the dark from his mobility scooter after being woken in the early hours. He was aiming at a fox trying to steal geese from an enclosure on his arable farm in Crays Hill, Billericay, Essex. But hidden in the dark were two men trying to break into an outhouse he had rented out and now contained a secret drugs factory. They suffered gunshot wounds and suspicious hospital doctors called in police.

Several hours later, police marksmen, accompanied by a helicopter, stormed into Mr Tibbs' home and arrested him on suspicion of attempted murder.

The extraordinary story only came to light yesterday after investigators told Mr Tibbs he would face no further action.

Mr Tibbs, who suffers multiple sclerosis and neuralgia, said the "horrendous" three month police investigation devastated his family and business.