Saddleworth farm burglars flee after farmer fires shots

Version 0 of 1.

Three men attempting to break into a Greater Manchester farm ran off after the farmer fired shots in the air.

The group tried to smash down the door of the farmhouse in the Lydgate area of Saddleworth, Oldham, on Sunday evening.

The farmer shouted a warning at the intruders and then fired his legally-held shotgun in the air, said police.

No-one was injured in the shooting and police said no action would be taken against the farmer.

'Felt under threat'

Supt Chris Ullah said: "We would never encourage anyone to take the law into their own hands.

"However, this farmer clearly felt under threat and took action to defend himself, his family and his property.

"We have not made any arrests, but will continue to investigate the circumstances."

The farmer's wife received minor cuts from broken glass in the door.

The farmer is the holder of a shotgun licence and the shotgun was held lawfully, police added.