Raheem Sterling 'was fourth Chelsea player' targeted by robbers in past year

Raheem Sterling is the fourth Chelsea player to be targeted by robbers in the past year, after the horrific burglary at his home last week.

Sterling's mansion in Surrey was discovered to have been raided on Saturday night while the footballer was in Qatar at the World Cup. The player's partner Paige and their young children were not in the property at the time of the incident.

The England international was allowed to fly back to the UK on Sunday to comfort his family after the distressing incident. The 27-year-old subsequently missed Gareth Southgate's side 3-0 win over Senegal in the World Cup Round of 16 later that day and the Three Lions boss has confirmed the Blues forward will have "as much time as he needs" before re-joining the squad.

Sterling's Chelsea and England teammate Reece James - who is missing the World Cup due to injury - had his home burgled in September last year. The wing-back's medal collection was stolen in the incident including his Champions League winners medal and Euro 2020 runners-up achievement.

A report in The Sun has detailed how Sterling and James are just two of four Chelsea players who have their properties targeted in that timeframe, with two other unnamed Blues stars also being victims of robberies in that timeframe.

"We are currently investigating a report of a burglary at an address in Oxshott, Leatherhead," read a statement from Surrey Police on Monday, relating to the raid on Sterling's property. "On Saturday, 3 December, 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."

England boss Southgate confirmed the international setup are willing to give Sterling all the time he needs to ensure his family are safe. He said: "We will have to wait and see [if he'll be back]. At the moment, clearly the priority is for him to be with his family and we're going to support that.

"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... We're going to allow him to have as much time as he needs."

Manchester United defender Harry Maguire, Sterling's international teammate, added: "It's extremely disappointing to hear that when we are out here playing for our country and giving everything there are people back home targeting us. The game could have gone different and we might have needed Raheem."

Read more

Qatar World Cup 2022

Neymar on target as Brazil advance

Croatia scrape past Japan on penalties

Selecao put on show to make Pele smile

French outlets confident of England win