Sterling returns home as police open investigation into burglary

Surrey Police has confirmed it is investigating a report of a burglary as England and Chelsea forward Raheem Sterling returns home from the World Cup in Qatar.

The 27-year-old was not involved in England’s last-16 win against Senegal on Sunday, with manager Gareth Southgate saying Sterling was heading home and telling ITV: “clearly the priority is for him to be with his family and we’re going to support that.”

England officials put it down to “a family matter” before kick-off, with the BBC reporting a break-in at Sterling’s London area home occurred on Saturday night.

A statement released by Surrey Police on Monday confirmed an investigation was underway into a burglary in Oxshott, Leatherhead.

“Police were contacted just before 9pm on Saturday December 3rd after the occupants of the property came home and discovered a number of items including jewellery and watches had been stolen,” the statement read.

“Enquiries to establish the circumstances are underway and the investigation is ongoing.

“No threat of violence was involved as the items were discovered stolen retrospectively. Enquiries into the circumstances are ongoing. No arrests have been made at this time.”

Surrey Police did not confirm if the incident was related to Sterling when contacted by Stats Perform.

It remains to be seen whether Sterling travels back to Qatar in time to feature in the Three Lions’ quarter-final against France on Saturday.