A startled man shot a naked woman in the leg after she burgled his home and struck him on the head with a metal frying pan.

The bizarre incident happened in the census-designated place of Austinville in the US state of Virginia on 26th February.

Carroll County Sheriff’s Office said 35-year-old local woman Paula Michelle Locklear broke into the property naked and was found by the startled homeowner in his kitchen.

Locklear, who was unknown to the man, then began striking him on the head and hand with a cast-iron frying pan.

The homeowner managed to get her out of his house and locked the door.

But, said Carroll County Sheriff’s Office in a statement: “The female at this time was on the back porch of the home, and began turning all the electrical breakers off to the home and started beating on the kitchen window while yelling at the homeowner to get out of her house or she was going to kill him.

“The female then began beating on the same door in which she had already made entry previously, at which time the homeowner discharged his firearm, striking the female in the lower leg area.”

Married mum-of-two Lockyear was taken for medical treatment and later discharged.

Prosecutors have charged her with felony breaking and entering while armed, assault and battery, and property damage.

She is reportedly being held in custody ahead of a hearing at Carroll County General District Court.

No charges will be filed against the homeowner, as officials have ruled that he acted in self-defence.