English actress Leslie Ash broke a rib while having sex with her husband, former footballer Lee Chapman.

Chapman was arrested at their £3.75million London home but freed after Ash said she did not wish to proceed with any allegations, according to a report in the Sun tabloid.

The 43-year-old star of sitcom Men Behaving Badly initially called an ambulance but abandoned the call.

She told the Sun: "We were making love and this happens. How embarrassing is that?

"The injuries happened when I hit a bedside table."

Scotland Yard issued a statement saying: "At approximately, 8.05am this morning, police were called by ambulance services to an address in Fulham, west London, following an abandoned call from a woman.

"A woman in her 40s was taken to a west London hospital suffering injuries including a broken rib. She remains in a stable condition and is being detained overnight for observation.

"A man in his 40s was arrested at the scene in connection with the incident and taken to Fulham police station.

"The woman did not wish to proceed with any allegation of assault and the man was released. No further action was taken."

The couple met in November 1986 and wed in July 1988. They have two sons.

Chapman played for many clubs, including Leeds United.