24/02/2009

Man United Star Robbed Ahead Of Champions League Game

Robbers have targeted the home of Manchester United player Darren Fletcher, just hours after he flew to Italy ahead of the club side's Champions League game.

The gang broke into the midfielder's family home in up-market Bowdon, Greater Manchester, at around 9pm on Monday night.

They threatened a woman at the property, then proceeded to raid rooms and snatch property.

The £50,000-a week Man United star, 25, lives at the house with his girlfriend Hayley Grice and their twin sons.

Sgt Phil Seeley of Trafford's Crime Team said: "This was a terrifying attack for the victims who were at home.

"Luckily the children didn't see anything and nobody was hurt. We are appealing to anyone with information around this crime.

"Maybe you saw a car driving away from this area at speed, or maybe somebody you know was bragging about or planning this."

Bowdon, on the border between Greater Manchester and Cheshire, is one of the area's most affluent villages and home to a number of multi-millionaire footballers.

Fletcher, who is in Italy for the team's Uefa Champions League match with Inter Milan, is one of several players who have been burgled while away from home with their teams.

Liverpool FC captain Steven Gerrard was a victim of robbers. His wife Alex Curran was confronted by thieves after he left for a Champions League match in December 2007.

Other Liverpool players, including Pepe Reina and Dirk Kuyt also had their homes broken into.

Expensive jewellery, sports cars and football memorabilia were among the items stolen during the burglaries.

(JM/BMcC)

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