Mansell is injured in fracas at mansion

The former motor racing world champion Nigel Mansell was recovering last night after an altercation with intruders whom he found in the garden of his estate on Jersey.

Mr Mansell, 49, suffered cuts and bruises after encountering a group of young men who had managed to get through security fencing at his cliff-top home at St Brelade's Bay, on the west coast of the island. It is understood that they claimed their route home had been cut off by the incoming tide while partying on a nerby beach.

An altercation occurred after Mr Mansell approached the men, and a member of his household called the police.

Jersey police confirmed yesterday that five men, in their late teens and early twenties, had been arrested on Good Friday on suspicion of minor public order offences and malicious damage.

Police have interviewed the men and a decision on whether to charge them will be taken in the next few days. No weapons were used, according to police sources.

Mr Mansell, the 1992 Formula 1 champion, moved to Jersey in 1997, attracted by its tax benefits. He installed a considerable amount of security around the property, which he bought four years ago and which overlooks the bay.

He was not available for comment last night but a spokesman said: "I can confirm that there was an incident at Mr Mansell's property which is being investigated by the police."