13 May 2023 , 21:32
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Rio Ferdinand reportedly grabbed an intruder in his garden and held him until police arrived at his house, it has emerged.
The former Manchester United star reportedly spotted the figure while at his south-east London home with his pregnant wife Kate and their kids, who were inside at the time of the incident. CCTV footage from inside his home showed the suspect allegedly attempting to gain access to the house via the rear patio doors to get inside the night before.
It is claimed, the man spent the night inside Ferdinand's garden before the ex-England ace found him there in the morning. The former centre-back managed to keep him inside his property until police arrived at the United legend's private estate in Bromley.
A source told the Sun: "This was a frightening incident which has left Rio and Kate pretty shaken up. It's worrying that someone got into the grounds but Rio dealt with it — and they both know it could have been a lot worse. But it caused a lot of concern."
The source went on to explain how Ferdinand was 'very alarmed' but acted in the best interests of his family and protected his wife and kids from any potential harm.
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The alleged intruder was later taken to hospital by the police after he complained of feeling unwell. Though he was found inside Ferdinand's property, the man was not arrested.
Rio Ferdinand sprang into action to protect wife Kate and his childrenMick Neville, former detective chief inspector of the Metropolitan Police, said: "It's good to see a TV celebrity and famous footballer taking action to defend his home and family.
"There have been some horrendous stories about the homes of footballers being broken into. Rio couldn't be sure what he was dealing with when he went outside to deal with the suspect.
"He should be commended for dealing with it courageously."
It is believed that the man managed to gain access to Ferdinand's property via a public bridleway, despite the fact the estate is patrolled by a security team.
The Met has also issued a statement on the matter, adding: "Police were called to a 70-year-old man detained by a private security guard having been found in the garden of a residential property.
"He was dealt with by a community resolution for 'Being on Enclosed Premises for an Unlawful Purpose', an offence under the Vagrancy Act."
Ferdinand's wife Kate is yet to address the scare despite being active on social media since the incident. Ferdinand himself is also yet to issue any kind of update.