Raheem Sterling's family were not at home during break-in, say police

Detectives investigating a break-in at the home of England star Raheem Sterling have confirmed the family were not at home the time of the raid and only discovered the burglary when they returned from an overseas trip.

It had initially been suggested that Sterling’s fiance and children had been inside their Surrey mansion when armed thieves broke in.

But in a statement Surrey Police said while watches and jewellery had been stolen, the occupants had not been at home at the time and there was no threat of violence.

Chelsea striker Sterling, who has been in Qatar with the England World Cup squad , flew home after the team’s 3 - 0 victory over Senegal to be with his family.

Police said Mr Sterling’s partner had only discovered the break when she and their children returned from an overseas trip on Saturday night. It is not clear whether they had also been in Doha at the World Cup.

Police said they were still working to establish when the break-in took place and said there was no evidence at this stage to suggest the raiders had been armed.

Jewellery and watches stolen

A spokesman for Surrey Police said: “We are currently investigating a report of a burglary at an address in Oxshott, Leatherhead. 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.”

'Harrowing ordeal'

Sterling, who did not play in England’s last 16 game, was said to be shaken and concerned about the wellbeing of his children following the incident.

It is not clear whether he will return to Doha ahead of England’s quarter final clash against France on Saturday.

Support for the England international flooded in on social media, with Match of the Day presenter Gary Lineker sending a message to the 27-year-old on Twitter.

He said: "Thoughts are with (Raheem Sterling) and his family after their awful and harrowing ordeal."

In a press conference after the game, England manager Gareth Southgate told reporters: "Raheem, as the FA statement says, is having to deal with a family situation, so he's going back to England.

"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.

"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."

England captain Harry Kane sent his best to Sterling at the man of the match press conference in Al Khor.

"Our thoughts are with him and his family," he said.

"It is a private matter with him, but it's never easy to see one or your teammates and friends have to deal with something like that.

"We will take it day by day and take the best decision for him and his family.

"From us as a team we send him our best and hope to see him as soon as possible."

'The number of burglaries is at an all time-low'

National Police Chiefs' Council Lead for Burglary, Deputy Chief Constable Alex Franklin-Smith, said: "We recognise how invasive and traumatic it is to have your home burgled. We take all burglaries very seriously, offer support to families impacted by this awful crime and seek to bring offenders to justice as swiftly as possible.

"In October, Police chiefs in England and Wales made a commitment to attend all home burglaries. Wherever you live in England and Wales, you can be confident the police will attend if you experience the invasion of a home burglary.

"The number of burglaries is at an all time-low, down 51 per cent over the past decade, and we will continue to prioritise preventing these offences, targeting repeat offenders and organised crime groups and solving as many burglaries as we can."