Man, 31, arrested after Chelsea ace Reece James' safe was nicked during brazen burglary at his home

A MAN has been arrested after Chelsea star Reece James' safe was stolen during a burglary at his home.

Police have confirmed that a 31-year-old man from Hampshire has been detained and remains under investigation.


Last year the England star revealed shocking CCTV of the moment "cowardly" thugs broke into his home and stole his football medals.

James, 21, said a group of robbers broke into his house in September and snatched a safe containing his Champions League, Super Cup, and Euro 2020 medals.

A Surrey police spokesman said: "Officers were called to an address in Four Acres, Cobham on Wednesday, September 15 following reports of a residential burglary. Investigating officers have arrested two men in connection with this investigation.

"A 31-year-old man from Blackwater has been arrested on suspicion of burglary dwelling. He has since been released under investigation.


"Another man, a 33-year-old from Epsom was also arrested but since been released without further action. The investigation remains ongoing."

Cops had previously arrested another man who had since been released without charge,

James previously shared a number of CCTV clips of the shocking burglary, showing four suspects walking up the driveway of his home and shining torches into the house.

One video shows the group struggling to open the electric gates to the property as they lift a huge safe out of the house and roll it across the driveway.

The Chelsea defender shared the clips outside his home as he appealed for fans to help "identify and turn in these low life individuals".

He added: "I hope together we can catch these individuals and deliver justice where it is due."

James confirmed in a statement on Instagram he wasn't at home at the time and told followers he was "safe and well".

He said he was devastated by the theft of the medals, but added: "These medals were won representing Chelsea and England – honours that can never be taken away from me whether or not I have the physical medals to prove it.

Most read in Football

SCOUTS ARE OUT

Man Utd's two leading scouts leave as club prepares transfer overhaul

'SIX YEARS BEHIND'

Ralf Rangnick SLAMS his Man Utd flops after hammering at Liverpool

NOT AL-RIGHT

Fans heartbroken for Ferguson as he watches Man Utd dominated by Liverpool

'REVOLTING'

Horrified guests catch England's Kyle Walker WEEING on wall of posh hotel

"Nevertheless, I am appealing to all my Chelsea and England fans to help identify and turn in these low life individuals who will never be able to rest easy as the evidence is mounting against them.

"The police, my advisers and Chelsea FC (and many others) are all behind me as we have firm leads on who the perpetrators are.

"We are closing in on them. Luckily, no one was present during the break in but I want to let all of you know I am safe and well.

"I really do appreciate having the platform to tell you all about my misfortune and I hope together we can catch these individuals and deliver justice where it is due."

Charity gifts were stolen from James' car while he was serving food to hungry children in 2020.

He had returned to his car after the Felix Project event to find the window of his vehicle had been smashed.

The footballer posted a picture of the damage on his Instagram account, with the caption: "Another rewarding experience with the Felix Project today serving meals to the younger generation.

"Unfortunately, I was met with huge disappointment when returning to my car. During the event, someone felt the need to break in and steal gifts that I was due to go and donate later in the day."




FOOTBALLERS TARGETED BY BURGLARS

A number of star footballers have been targeted by criminals in recent years.

1. Dele Alli

Tottenham midfielder was held at knifepoint last year when intruders broke into his home.

2. Angel Di Maria

Paris Saint-Germain winger had to be substituted last season against Nantes after his family were the victims of a violent robbery.

3. Wayne Rooney

Derby gaffer had his Cheshire mansion burgled in August 2016 when he was playing in his own testimonial.

4. John Terry

Chelsea legend had £400,000 of luxury goods stolen in 2017 after he and his family were on a skiing trip.

5. Steven Gerrard

The Rangers boss' home was targeted during his time at Liverpool when he was playing in the Champions League against Ajax in 2007.

6. Daniel Sturridge

England international had his £4,000 Pomeranian stolen after burglars broke into his Los Angeles home in 2019. The dog was later found and returned to the striker.

7. Sadio Mane

The Liverpool winger had items including watches, phones and car keys taken after a number of people forced entry into his home.

8. Ian Wright

Arsenal icon's house was targeted in 2014 when he was away in Brazil as a pundit for the World Cup.

9. Phil Jagielka

The Derby centre-back was held at knifepoint in 2009 after an armed gang broke into his Cheshire mansion.

10. Frank Lampard

England icon has been targeted FOUR times by thieves, with the most recent break-in happening in May 2020.

    Source: Read Full Article