Burglars raided England striker Peter Crouch's home while he was playing for Liverpool in the Champions League this week, it was reported today.

The Sun reports that while the 6ft 7ins striker was scoring two goals in the victory over Galatasary yobs were ripping apart his home in Alderley Edge, Cheshire. They stole valuables and drove away in a car he left on the driveway.

The paper says the thieves made a wreck of Crouch's home, slashing his leather sofas and going through his belongings.

Cheshire Police said tonight they were unable to confirm or deny reports Crouch's house had been burgled.

But in a statement to The Sun a police spokesman said: "There was a burglary but the victim wants no publicity."
 
Crouch is the latest footballer to be targeted by burglars.

Thugs who broke into Everton star Andy Van der Meyde's home stole his car and even his pedigree dog, while in July mementoes belonging to Manchester United and England forward Wayne Rooney were stolen from his parents' home.

Other victims have included former Spurs goalkeeper Ian Walker and Chelsea's Frank Lampard.