The Blues left-back shot 21-year-old sports science student Tom Cowan with a pellet from a .22 air gun that the player brought into the club's training ground in Cobham, southwest of London, on February 20. -Photo by AFP

LONDON: England and Chelsea defender Ashley Cole will not be prosecuted for accidentally shooting a work placement student with an air gun, police sources said Thursday.

Sources said officers were “highly unlikely” to pursue enquiries any further after contacting Chelsea over the incident.

The Blues left-back shot 21-year-old sports science student Tom Cowan with a pellet from a .22 air gun that the player brought into the club's training ground in Cobham, southwest of London, on February 20.

Cowan, who is on a one-year work placement with the English Premier League champions, has no plans to press charges against the star.

Cole, who reportedly did not realise the gun was loaded, shot him in the side with a lead pellet. Chelsea's medical staff reportedly treated the bleeding wound and he did not require hospital treatment.

The Blues vowed to take “appropriate action” but did not comment further.