A BUSINESSMAN fought off an intruder with a golf club after he was attacked in his home.

Millionaire nightclub and building entrepreneur Allan Rankin, a neighbour of footballer Alan Shearer, woke as a youth broke in.

Once inside, he chased the former club boss around a dining room table and they ended up grappling on the floor before police arrived.

Last night, father-of-one Mr Rankin, 42, declined to comment on the incident, which took place at Darras Hall, in Ponteland, Northumberland.

A friend of Mr Rankin said he was shocked the attacker managed to breach security at the mansion.

The estate is surrounded by high walls and electronic gates, and the grounds are lit by searchlights and cameras.

Police said a 17-year-old had been cautioned for criminal damage following an incident on January 13.