Forums Forums National News Raid at Man Utd footballer's home

Burglars have targeted the home of Manchester United star Darren Fletcher.

Two women were threatened during the break-in in Bowdon, Greater Manchester on Monday night, police said.

The Scotland midfielder lives at the house with his girlfriend and two sons, The children, twins aged two, were in the house at the time.

Fletcher, 25, who is in Italy for a Champions League match, is one of several players to have been burgled while away from home with their clubs.

A woman at the property called the police at about 2100 GMT, but the burglars had left by the time officers arrived.

The gang went through the £50,000-a-week player's house, raiding rooms and snatching property, police said.

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."

A Greater Manchester Police spokesman said scenes of crime officers had been called to the house and inquiries were continuing.

Bowdon is on the Greater Manchester and Cheshire border and is home to several multi-millionaire footballers.

Other players whose homes have been targeted while they were away with their clubs include Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard, as well as several of his colleagues at the club.

Fletcher, who has made 200 appearances for United since making his debut in March 2003, is thought to be the first Manchester United player to fall victim to such a burglary.

The club are preparing to take on Inter Milan at the San Siro on Tuesday evening in a crucial Champions League match.

THE BBC

Man arrested over footballer raid


A man has been arrested on suspicion of burgling Manchester United footballer Darren Fletcher's house and threatening his fiancee at knifepoint.

The Scotland midfielder's front door was kicked in and his house in Bowdon raided while the star was away in Italy on European duty on 23 February.

The raiders also threatened his fiancee Hayley Grice and her mother.

A 28-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of aggravated burglary and bailed until 14 May, police said.

A statement from Greater Manchester Police said: "A man has been arrested in connection with a robbery at a house in Bowdon, Trafford.

"Shortly before 9pm on 23 February, police were called to a house following a report of an armed robbery.

"Officers attended and found that robbers had threatened two women. Two young children, twins aged two, were also in the house. An engagement ring, jewellery and watches were stolen."

Darren Fletcher, 25, is thought to be the 14th Premier League player to have been targeted in Manchester or Merseyside in the past three years.

THE BBC

I have to say I can't stand Man Utd, but NOBODY deserves to go through that!!

What is wrong with people today!!??!! I despair of the kind of society we are living in!!