Merseyside Police probe burglary at the home or LFC footballer Sadio Mane during Champions League duty

Police are investigating a burglary at the home of Liverpool footballer Sadio Mane while he was on Champions League duty for his team.

Raiders broke into the property in Allerton, south Liverpool, between 6pm and 11.45pm on Tuesday as the Senegal international was at Anfield for the last 16 first leg knockout tie against Bayern Munich.

A number of items including watches, mobile phones and car keys were stolen.

Forensic examinations are being carried out and an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident is ongoing.

Detective Inspector Phil Mahon, of Merseyside Police, said: “We are appealing for anyone with information in relation to this burglary to please come forward and assist our inquiries.

“While the occupants were not present at the time of the incident this will no doubt be a distressing experience for them and I would ask the offenders to do the right thing and return the stolen items to the owner in any way possible.

“We know the watches in particular are of significant monetary value and I would also like to appeal to anyone who might have been offered the items for sale since the burglary to contact police.”

Anyone who has any information should contact @MerPolCC, 101 quoting ref 19100062098 or @CrimestoppersUK.

Mane, 26, was previously burgled in November 2017 while he was at Anfield for another Champions League game against Maribor.

A gang was thought to have broken into his home first before smashing a patio door at the nearby address of team-mate Dejan Lovren before they fled when a woman shouted she was calling the police.