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LONDON. — Surrey Police have confirmed that they are investigating a burglary where jewellery and watches were stolen following reports of a break-in at England winger Raheem Sterling ’s home.

The Chelsea star flew home from the FIFA World Cup on Sunday morning because of what the Football Association said was a “family matter”, causing him to miss the round of 16 win against Senegal.

His partner and young children were at home during the raid but police have said that “no threat of violence was involved” because the stolen items were noticed missing after the burglary.

In a statement, the force said: “We are currently investigating a report of a burglary at an address 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.

“Inquiries to establish the circumstances are under way and the investigation is ongoing. No threat of violence was involved as the items were discovered stolen retrospectively. Inquiries into the circumstances are ongoing.”

Sterling could return to Qatar in time for England’s quarter-final versus reigning champions France on Saturday evening but no decision has been made.

Gareth Southgate, the England manager, said that the immediate priority was for the 27-year-old to be with his family rather than focusing on football.

Speaking after goals from Jordan Henderson, Harry Kane and Bukayo Saka sealed England’s progress on Sunday night, Southgate said: “We will have to wait and see (if he’ll be back to play against France), at the moment, clearly the priority is for him to be with his family and we’re going to support that.

“We’ve got to give him time to try to resolve that or be there for his family. That’s the most important thing at this time, so we’re going to give him that space.

“It didn’t impact team selection. I spent a lot of time with Raheem this morning, but you know you have days where events happen and you have to deal with them.

“We’re going to allow him to have as much time as he needs. He’s going home, yeah.

“I really don’t know because at the moment it’s a situation in which he needs time with his family. I don’t want to put him under any pressure. Sometimes football isn’t the most important thing and family should come first.”

Sterling is the second player to leave the squad after Arsenal defender Ben White, who returned home on November 30 for personal reasons. Sterling started England’s opening two games, the 6-2 win against Iran and scoreless draw versus USA, before sitting out the 3-0 win over Wales. — The Mirror