Homeowner Arrested After Intruder Falls 30ft

A homeowner has been arrested after an intruder was left unconscious after falling about 30-ft from a top-floor window.

Patrick Walsh, 56, woke to find the suspected burglar in his flat in Chorlton-cum-Hardy in Manchester in the early hours of Monday.

The pair argued, and the intruder was later found unconscious outside the flat, police said.

Walsh, who was arrested on suspicion of assault, was released on police bail pending further inquiries.

The unnamed 43-year-old intruder is in hospital with life- threatening injuries.

"Following an exchange of words, the alleged burglar was found unconscious on the pavement outside the flat. It is believed he had fallen from the fourth floor window," police said in a statement:

The arrest is expected to revive arguments about the rights of householders to defend themselves against burglars.

Farmer Tony Martin was jailed for shooting dead a burglar in 1999.