Police Investigates Burglary At Home Of Football Star; Raheem Sterling

An alleged break-in at the home of English player Raheem Sterling has been reported. Police are currently investigating the incident and state that no witnesses have come forward to report the presence of armed invaders or violent threats.

The 27-year-old Chelsea player was given clearance to fly from England’s World Cup training camp in Qatar back to the UK after being made aware of the incident.

In contrast to what sources close to Sterling had stated on Sunday, a new Surrey Police statement issued on Monday afternoon asserted that the residents of the house were not present during the burglary and that there was no evidence at this time of any armed invaders or threats of violence.

“We are currently investigating a report of a burglary at an address in Oxshott, Leatherhead,” the statement read.

“On Saturday, December 3 the occupants returned to the address after arriving home from an international trip.

“They contacted police just before 9 pm 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. Inquiries 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 the police directly if they have not already been spoken to.

“No arrests have been made at this time.”

Sterling was unable to participate in Sunday night’s 3-0 triumph over Senegal that advanced England to the World Cup quarterfinals because of the news of the break-in.

The 27-year-availability old’s for Saturday’s game against France is still unknown, according to England manager Gareth Southgate, who acknowledged that he and everyone else will have to “wait and see.”

During the post-Sunday victory against Senegal press conference, Southgate was questioned about Sterling.

“Raheem, as the FA statement says, is having to deal with a family situation, so he’s going back to England,” he said.

“We’ve got to give him time to try to resolve that or be there for his family. That’s the most important thing at this time, so we’re going to give him that space. It didn’t impact team selection. I spent a lot of time with Raheem this morning, but you know you have days where events happen and you have to deal with them.

“He’s on his way home and, yeah, we’re obviously mindful of him being allowed space and (having) privacy respected, so we don’t want to talk in too much detail.

“Of course, it’s not ideal for the group ahead of a big game, but it pales into insignificance – the individual is more important than the group in those moments. So, I needed to look after the situation, and then I had to pass it on to others to deal with this afternoon to get him home.”

Before traveling to Qatar, the Football Association provided players with in-depth security advice. They also have a skilled security team on hand to offer guidance and help as needed.