Ben Stokes: England captain’s home targeted by masked gang

England cricket captain Ben Stokes says a masked gang burgled his home – when his wife and two children were there – while he was in Pakistan for the recent Test series.

The 33-year-old said his family did not come to “any physical harm” but a number of “sentimental” items were taken.

Stokes posted pictures of the missing items, external, including the medal for the OBE which he received in 2020.

“By far the worst thing about this crime is that it was carried out while my wife and two young children were in the house,” he said.

“Thankfully, none of my family came to any physical harm.

“Understandably, however, the experience has had an impact on their emotional and mental state.

“All we can think about is how much worse this situation could have been.”

Stokes, who lives in Castle Eden in County Durham, said the incident occurred on the evening of 17 October.

The following day, England were beaten by Pakistan in the second Test, with Stokes dismissed for 37.

He returned to the UK after the conclusion of last week’s third Test, which England lost by nine wickets as Pakistan took the series 2-1.

“I am releasing photographs of some of the stolen items – which I hope may be easily identified – in the hope that we can find the people who are responsible for this,” added Stokes.