Soccer: Cole accidentally shoots Chelsea intern

England defender Ashley Cole could face a police investigation over the reported shooting of an intern at Chelsea's training base.

English newspaper, News of the World reported Cole was "larking about" with a .22 calibre air rifle at the club's Cobham training ground last week when he unintentionally shot work experience student Tim Cowan in the side with a lead pellet from just a metre and a half away.

UK police said early Sunday they would study print editions of the newspaper before deciding whether to launch an investigation.

Chelsea's medical staff reportedly treated the bleeding wound, and Cowan did not require hospital treatment.

"We never comment on internal matters," Chelsea said in response to the report.

The type of air gun involved in the incident doesn't require a licence in Britain and Surrey Police didn't attend the scene.

The 30-year-old Cole is the English national team's most capped full back, having made his 87th appearance in last month's friendly against Denmark.

Chelsea has endured a tough season on the pitch and is fifth in the standings going into Tuesday's match against Premier League leader Manchester United.

- AAP