A couple will not face criminal charges after a legally-owned shotgun was fired during a break-in at their Leicestershire home, the Crown Prosecution Service has said.
Andy, 35, and Tracey Ferrie, 43, were arrested on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm after the burglary at their property in Welby on Sunday morning.
The pair were released on bail on Tuesday night and the CPS has now said that it is "satisfied" that they "acted in reasonable self defence" to protect themselves and their home.
Judith Walker, chief crown prosecutor for CPS East Midlands, said: "The law is clear that anyone who acts in good faith, using reasonable force, doing what they honestly feel is necessary to protect themselves, their families or their property, will not be prosecuted for such action."
Mr Ferrie called the police to say he had fired the shots after being disturbed by four intruders.
Two men sustained non-life threatening injuries after the shooting but were released from hospital soon after.
Daniel Mansell, 33, and Joshua O'Gorman, 27, have been charged with entering a building with intent to steal and remanded in custody.
Leicestershire Police said officers were called to the cottage at around 12.30am.
Five minutes later, paramedics were called to treat a man with shotgun injuries. It is understood that call was made by one of the suspected burglars.
Later, a second man was treated for shotgun injuries after arriving at Leicester Royal Infirmary.
Two other men, aged 31 and 33, who were arrested on suspicion of aggravated burglary, have been bailed, pending further inquiries.
