Ian Wright burgled: Knife-wielding robbers stole pundit’s MBE

The former footballer’s MBE was among items stolen by burglars who threatened his family

(GETTY IMAGES)

Ian Wright’s MBE was among items stolen after his wife and two young daughters were burgled at knifepoint.

The former England footballer and ITV sports pundit flew home from Brazil after hearing news that four masked men broke into his London home and threatened his family.

The robbers held his wife at knifepoint and said they would cut off her children’s fingers if she resisted.

“If you don't tell us where the safe is we'll cut off your kids' fingers,” one reportedly said.

Another is believed to have urged: “Punch her, punch her, kill her!”

Police are investigating the incident, during which the burglars are believed to have taken Nancy, 39, to one bedroom while the couple’s two girls slept upstairs, before escaping with a number of their possessions – including the MBE Wright was awarded in 2000 for services to football.

Also stolen was a rare watch from former team-mate Dennis Bergkamp and an Arsenal double-winning watch from the club.

The family are now safe, Wright confirmed.

"All I want to say is that my missus, my girls, everyone’s safe,” said Wright. “The police are trying to get on doing what they are doing.’

His manager, Steve Kutner, said: “It was a terrifying ordeal. They marched Ian's wife from room to room.

“I would like to thank ITV for helping Ian to get home as quickly as possible.”

Police have described the suspects as four black men between the ages of 18 and 25 with London accents, wearing dark clothing and hoodies obscuring their faces.

Detective Chief Inspector Mick Gornall, who is leading the investigation, said: “We are trying to trace these four men, and I'd ask anyone who may know anything to get in touch with my team and help us.

“Fortunately no one was injured during the burglary, but it is still very frightening to have people force their way into your home and threaten you.

“Last night officers went to the address and started carrying out house-to-house inquiries. We are also seizing and reviewing CCTV.”

Wright tweeted yesterday that the burglars “wouldn’t get away with it”.