Police are investigating reports Mario Balotelli threatened a woman said to have taken photographs of his Ferrari vehicle.

The Liverpool striker is understood to have been visiting his mother’s home in Manchester today when the alleged incident took place.

The woman called police at 3.05pm to report the Italian had approached her in “a threatening way” after he noticed her taking the photographs shortly after he parked his car.

A spokesman for Greater Manchester Police said: “We are investigating a report of threatening behavior following an incident in Pewsey Road, Wythenshawe.

“Officers will be speaking to all concerned in due course.”

Police sources said it was unlikely either party would be spoken to until tomorrow at the earliest.