Former England player Ian Wright was forced to fly home from covering the world cup in Brazil after discovering that his wife and children had been burgled at knife point on Tuesday night. His MBE, which had been awarded to him in 2002 for services to football, was stolen, as well as several other rare personal possessions including a watch given to him by his former team-mate Dennis Bergkamp.
Soon after the incident a spokeswoman stated: “Ian is just really upset and angry and just wants to come back and be with his family at this time.”
She added: “We are very grateful to ITV for being so supportive and getting him back so quickly.”
It is thought the burglars, who a police described as “as black, aged between 18 and 25, with London accents, wearing dark clothing and hoodies obscuring their faces”, broke into Wright and his 39 year-old wife’s home while she was in their bedroom and threatened to ‘cut their children’s fingers off’ if she did not hand over
When Wright heard the news he tweeted ‘you won’t get away with’ and arrived fhome the following day to be with his family.
Detective Chief Inspector Mick Gornall, who is leading the investigation, said: “We are trying to trace these four men, and I’d ask anyone who may know anything to get in touch with my team and help us.
“Fortunately no-one was injured during the burglary, but it is still very frightening to have people force their way into your home and threaten you.
“Last night officers went to the address and started carrying out house-to-house inquiries. We are also seizing and reviewing CCTV.”
No arrests have been made.
