Source: Daily_Mail
Police quiz for Ashley Cole as student Tom Cowan is shot with air rifle
Ashley Cole faces being questioned by police on Monday after he shot a work experience student with an air rifle while 'larking about' at Chelsea's training ground.[LNB]Police confirmed that they are to investigate the incident in which 21-year-old Tom Cowan was shot in the side from only 5ft away with a high-powered rifle.[LNB]He was reportedly given medical treatment on the spot, but two days later the wound to his side was still weeping and he had to have further medical attention.[LNB] Shot: Tom Cowan, 21, was hit by Ashley Cole, right, with the air rifle on Sunday of last week at Chelsea's training ground in Cobham, it was claimed[LNB]It happened on Sunday February 20 when Cole, 30, who earns ?125,000-a-week, arrived for training in Cobham, Surrey, with a box containing the weapon, complete with a muzzle and night-scope.[LNB]Neither the club nor Mr Cowan reported the incident to Surrey Police but the force is launching an investigation. England international Cole, whose career has been littered with controversy, is certain to be interviewed.[LNB]A spokesman said: 'We can confirm that while no direct allegation has been made to Surrey Police, the matter has been brought to our attention through reports in the media. We will be contacting the club to establish whether any offence has been committed.'[LNB] Squad base: Incident happened at Chelsea's training ground in Cobham, Surrey[LNB]A source told the News of the World: 'Ashley pulled the rifle from a box and started larking about with it in the changing room, not realising it was loaded. It ended up pointed at Tom just 5ft away. Then the gun went off with a loud pop and Tom screamed as this lead pellet hit him in the side.'[LNB]One of the police lines of inquiry could be whether it was deliberate, in which case the incident could be deemed actual bodily harm, which carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison and an unlimited fine. But it is thought unlikely that Cole will face this charge.[LNB]The .22 air rifle is the most powerful gun that can be owned in the UK without a licence.[LNB]Mr Cowan, a Loughborough University sports science student, is on a year's internship with the West London club. [LNB]He was reportedly asked to attend a meeting on Wednesday with Chelsea bosses. It is understood that Cole has apologised privately to Mr Cowan. [LNB]Cole married singer Cheryl Cole in 2004, but they have now divorced after he slept with 22-year-old blonde hairdresser Aimee Walton.[LNB]While playing for Arsenal, the left-back was criticised by fans after telling of his anger that the club had only offered him ?55,000-a-week when renegotiating his contract.[LNB]Mr Cowan's father Ronald, 51, a quantity surveyor, is said to have demanded that disciplinary action be taken against Cole. But yesterday he said angrily: 'It's not something I want to talk about.'[LNB]The weapon: A .22 air rifle gun like the one Cole is believed to have shot Tom with[LNB]Last night a Chelsea spokesman said Cole would face disciplinary action. [LNB]'We have fully investigated the incident and we are taking appropriate action,' he said. [LNB]'We will not be commenting further as it is an internal matter.'[LNB] Martin Samuel: Selfish Chelsea star Drogba has to see big picture at Stamford BridgeAshley Cole faces ?250k fine from Chelsea for shooting student Tom Cowan with air rifleAll the latest Chelsea news, features and opinion[LNB] [LNB] Explore more:People: Ashley Cole, Cheryl Cole Places: Surrey, United Kingdom
