England star, Raheem Sterling had to return home to the UK from Qatar after intruders broke into his family home.
The 27-year-old Chelsea forward missed England’s last-16 win over Senegal on Sunday after it was announced that he was dealing with a family matter at the time. A spokesperson for the family told reporters that the intruders were armed.
According to Surrey Police, a number of items including jewellery and watches were stolen. A statement from the police released on Monday read,
“On Saturday December 3 the occupants returned to the address after arriving home from an international trip.
“They contacted police just before 9pm to report a number of items of jewellery, including watches, had been stolen. Officers attended the address later that night and returned to speak to the occupants this morning.
“At this time it remains unclear on which date the property was stolen and establishing this forms a key part of our investigation.
“Enquiries into the full circumstances remain ongoing and officers will look at all available evidence including any CCTV opportunities.
“We are aware of media reports stating there were armed suspects involved, however, at this time, we would reassure our communities that no witnesses have come forward to this effect and there are no reports of any threats of violence linked to this incident. Anyone with information should contact police directly if they have not already been spoken to.
“No arrests have been made at this time.”
Sterling’s spokesperson said the footballer was “shaken” by the news and that “as soon as he was alerted he wanted to get home, concerned for the well-being of his children”.
England manager Gareth Southgate confirmed that Sterling was heading back to the UK to be with his family. When asked if the forward could return to still play a part in the tournament, Southgate said,
“I really don’t know, it’s a situation he needs time to deal with, I don’t want to put any pressure on him.
“Sometimes football isn’t the most important thing and family should come first.”
England is set to play defending champions France in the quarter-finals on Saturday.
