West Ham striker Andy Carroll ‘threatened by gunmen’

West Ham United footballer Andy Carroll was threatened by men claiming to be armed with a gun in an attempted robbery as he returned home from a training session on Wednesday.

The 27-year-old striker was driving his Mercedes G-Wagon back to his home in Essex when he approached by two motorcyclists, gesturing that they had a firearm, at a junction shortly before 1pm on Wednesday.

The Premier League star sped off when they demanded he stop and he was pursued through the streets as he returned to the Rush Green training ground to seek the help of security staff.

The Metropolitan police confirmed officers were called to reports of an attempted robbery at gunpoint in nearby Chigwell, north-east London.

A Scotland Yard spokeswoman said: “Police were called at around 12.45 on Wednesday 2 November to reports of two males on motorcycles attempting to rob the driver of a car in Romford Road.

“The two men threatened the driver and intimated through gesture that they were in possession of a gun. The motorcyclists attempted to block the car as the driver sought to get away.

“The suspects rode off prior to the arrival of police. The driver of the car was spoken to and an allegation of attempted robbery was recorded.”

Officers from Redbridge CID are investigating and are yet to make any arrests, the Met said.

A club spokesman said: “West Ham United can confirm an incident targeting one of our players on Wednesday 2 November. The matter is now being handled by the police.”