'Can't celebrate' - Jack Grealish left 'devastated' on New Year's Eve after mansion targeted by thieves

Former Aston Villa captain Jack Grealish says he has been left devastated after burglars ransacked his mansion during a terrifying raid while his terrified family 'were inside watching him on TV'.

Police say the thieves are still at large after making off with a number of items believed to be high value jewellery and watches worth around £1 million.

It's understood nobody was injured in the alarming incident, which happened as the Man City star, 28, played against Everton at Goodison Park on Wednesday (December 27). A source said members of Grealish's family and girlfriend Sasha Attwood, 27, were among those inside and were forced to press panic buttons as the crooks struck.

Cheshire Police confirmed they were probing the 9:50pm break-in at the £5.6million property in Chelford, which the England ace moved into just before Christmas.

The source said: "People broke in and they went straight upstairs - going through the balcony - and took a lot of watches and jewellery. From what I heard it's worth at a very minimum £1 million - but most likely a lot more. It happened when Manchester City were playing, and all the family were downstairs watching Jack. No one was injured, but there was a lot of panic - everyone was so terrified as they were all in the house when it was happening.

"It's an enormous house, so that is why they didn't hear at first. The family heard some noises, went upstairs and the dogs were barking, then pressed the panic button. The response team were there, 30 police cars, helicopters - lots of police were involved."

Grealish left devastated by break-in

Posting on Instagram on New Year's Eve, Grealish wrote: "I can’t begin to explain how devastated I am over the burglary that took place at my home a few days ago.

"My family mean the world to me and nothing is more important than ensuring their safety. This has been a traumatic experience for all of us, I am just so grateful that nobody was hurt. I have had so many amazing experiences and achievements over the last 12 months, but to be honest the best year of my life in football now doesn’t feel like something I can celebrate.

"The people that commit these terrible crimes have no idea of the damage they cause to peoples lives. I hope they are found and brought to justice so no other family has to go through what we have."

A Cheshire Police spokesperson said: "At around 9.50pm on Wednesday 27 December police were called to reports of a burglary in Chelford, near Knutsford.

"The caller reported that a number of items had been stolen. Officers, supported by the police dogs and NPAS, were deployed and searches were conducted in the local area, but there was no trace of the suspects.

"No arrests have been made at this time and enquiries are ongoing. Anyone with any information in relation to the incident is asked to contact Cheshire Police on 101 quoting IML 1722738."