Burglars raid Bobby Charlton's home

Burglars raid Bobby Charlton's home

Sir Bobby was away watching United play Arsenal

Trophies and football memorabilia have been stolen from the home of footballing legend Sir Bobby Charlton.

Raiders struck as the former England and Manchester United star was watching United play Arsenal at Highbury in the Premiership on Wednesday night.

The break in was discovered just before 0200 BST on Thursday when Sir Bobby, 65, and his wife returned from London to their home near Knutsford in Cheshire.

It is believed thieves got into the house through a patio door.

Cheshire Police said the items included two engraved replica Premier League trophies, a Fair Play award dated 1973, a gold plaque depicting the 1966 World Cup, a bronze eagle inscribed with his name and two Variety Club Silver Heart awards.

A police spokesman said the burglary took place some time after 1430 BST on Wednesday.

He said: "The intruders entered via the patio doors and escaped with a number of items.

"Crime scene investigators have been to the premises and an investigation is under way."

Sir Bobby's 1966 World Cup winners' medal and his 1968 European Cup winners' medal are kept at the Old Trafford museum.

He made his debut for Manchester United aged 18 in 1954 and played for the club until 1973.