Jack Grealish's mansion was raided by thieves on Wednesday night in a bid to steal £1million worth of jewelery while his family were inside watching him on TV.
The family of the Manchester City winger, who played in his side's 3-1 win over Everton, were forced to press “panic buttons” in the house.
It is believed that ten relatives – including Grealish's fiancée Sasha Attwood, parents, two sisters and a brother – were watching the game before they were alerted by dogs barking and noises upstairs.
The family were forced to flee and hide in the £5.6million mansion, which Grealish had just moved into before Christmas, while police urged neighbors to lock their doors and stay in their homes.
Police, fearing a possible hostage situation, rushed to the scene and even used a helicopter to search the area, but the perpetrators managed to escape with £1 million worth of jewellery.
Grealish played during the collapse in City's 3-1 away win over Everton on Wednesday night
Grealish's fiancée Sasha Attwood was among ten relatives in the house at the time. Pictured: Jack and Sasha on the pitch after Manchester City's Champions League win
A source told The Sun: “The family is really shaken.” The gang stole numerous watches and jewelry.
“They carried out their raid as Manchester City were playing live on TV and his whole family had gathered downstairs to cheer him on.”
“No one was hurt, but there was a lot of panic.” Everyone was scared because they were all so vulnerable.
“It's a huge property so it's understandable why no one heard anything at first.” It was also the family's first time visiting the property so they were unfamiliar with the property.
“When the dogs went crazy and heard people sneaking around, they activated the security panic alarm.”
Mail Sport's Jack Gaughan reports that after City's 3-1 win at Goodison Park, Grealish actually burst through the tunnel at the end of the game, which looked unusual.
The England international played the full 90 minutes as Pep Guardiola's side stormed to victory against the Toffees on Wednesday.
On Thursday morning, the £100 million signing could be seen on the paths surrounding the property, which was surrounded by a new security fence shortly after he moved in this year.
The seven-bedroom mansion sits on 24 acres and features a helipad, tennis court, large football and cricket pitches and a lake.
Jack Grealish pictured with his fiancée Sasha Attwood (second left), father Kevin (left), mother Karen (second right) and grandmother Margret (right) in 2015
Jack Grealish pictured with his fiancée Sasha Attwood holding the UEFA Super Cup trophy in August this year
Grealish's childhood sweetheart Sasha (pictured with him) and his family were watching him on TV when the break-in took place
Jack Grealish and Sasha Attwood pictured at the FIFA World Cup in Qatar in December 2022
Jack Grealish's fiancee Sasha Attwood and his mother Karen Grealish watch as he is unveiled as Manchester City's latest signing in August 2021
A private security company van was also seen outside the house yesterday, while police officers were seen leaving the property and knocking on neighbors' doors.
A spokesman for Cheshire Police told the Sun: “At around 9.50pm on Wednesday, December 27, police were called to a report of a burglary.”
“The caller reported that several items had been stolen.”
“Officers, supported by police dogs and the National Police Air Service, were deployed and searches were carried out in the area, but there was no sign of the suspects.”
“No arrests have been made at this time and the investigation is ongoing.”
“Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact Cheshire Police.”
The incident in Cheshire comes weeks after West Ham star Kurt Zouma and his family were left “traumatised” after an armed gang ransacked their £3million home and stole £100,000 cash and jewelery.
The thugs raided the Hammers captain's Essex mansion late on December 2 while he was relaxing with his wife Sandra and their children.
Frenchman Zouma, 29, was missing from West Ham's squad for the 1-1 draw with Crystal Palace following the raid – prompting a police warning to neighbors amid fears an organized crime group could strike again.
News of the ordeal stunned West Ham fans – the club offered a £25,000 reward for information leading to the gang's capture.
West Ham star Kurt Zouma and his family were left “traumatised” after an armed gang ransacked their £3million home and stole £100,000 cash and jewelery
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In a statement, the club said: “West Ham United have offered a reward of £25,000 for information leading to the arrest and successful prosecution of burglars who broke into the club on the eve of the club's Premier League game against Crystal Palace this weekend Defender Kurt Zouma’s house was broken into.”
“On Saturday Kurt's house was broken into while his entire family was inside, leaving everyone present extremely distressed. Although fortunately no one was hurt, it was a traumatic experience for the West Ham United defender, his wife and their young family.
“The burglars stole items of considerable value and of great personal and sentimental significance to the family.”
“The West Ham United family continues to offer Kurt’s family their full support.”