Surrey Police have confirmed that they are investigating a burglary where jewellery and watches were stolen following reports of a break-in at England winger Raheem Sterling ’s home.
But, in a new statement, the force have rejected initial reports that an armed raid took place when the footballer's partner and young children were at home. The Chelsea star flew home from the World Cup yesterday because of what the Football Association said was a "family matter", causing him to miss the round of 16 win against Senegal.
First reports of an incident said that Sterling's family had been at home during the raid but police have said that "no threat of violence was involved" because the stolen items were noticed missing after the burglary. It is unclear when the items were allegedly stolen because, police say, the occupants were out of the country before returning home on Saturday night.
In a statement, Surrey Police said: "We are currently investigating a report of a burglary at an address in Oxshott, Leatherhead. 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."
Sterling could return to Qatar in time for England's quarter-final versus reigning champions France on Saturday evening but no decision has been made.
Gareth Southgate, the England manager, said that the immediate priority was for the 27-year-old to be with his family rather than focusing on football.
Speaking after goals from Jordan Henderson, Harry Kane and Bukayo Saka sealed England's progress last night, Southgate said: "We will have to wait and see [if he'll be back to play against France], 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.
“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.
"We're going to allow him to have as much time as he needs. He's going home, yeah.
"I really don't know because at the moment it's a situation in which he needs time with his family. I don't want to put him under any pressure. Sometimes football isn't the most important thing and family should come first."
Sterling is the second player to leave the squad after Arsenal defender Ben White, who returned home on November 30 for personal reasons. Sterling started England's opening two games, the 6-2 win against Iran and scoreless draw versus USA, before sitting out the 3-0 win over Wales.
