Jan Vertonghen’s family held at knifepoint during burglary

The Belgian was in Germany for the Champions League last 16 tie against RB Leipzig

Vertonghen's contract with Tottenham has expired (Reuters)

Jan Vertonghen’s family was held at knifepoint on Tuesday while four armed men burgled his home with the Tottenham Hotspur defender away on Champions League duty.

Police have confirmed men wearing balaclavas forced entry into the Belgian’s house with his wife and children inside.

The 32-year-old was in Leipzig at the time for the second leg of the Champions League last 16 tie, which Spurs lost 3-0.

A Spurs spokesperson said: “We have been supporting Jan and his family through this terribly traumatic time.

“We encourage anyone who has any information to come forward to help the police with their investigation.”

Vertonghen was away on Champions League duty (REUTERS) (Reuters)

While a Met Police spokesman said: “Police were called to a residential address in NW3 at 7.49pm on 10 March to a report of a burglary.

“Officers attended. It was reported four men wearing balaclavas, armed with knives, had forced entry to the property and stolen a number of items before leaving.

“Nobody was injured. The suspects had left the scene before officers arrived. There have been no arrests and inquiries continue.”

Vertonghen is one of the latest footballers to be targeted by criminals, with Newcastle’s Isaac Hayden taking to social media on Saturday to report his home had been burgled.

Burglars broke into Crystal Palace defender Mamadou Sakho’s house last year, while Liverpool’s Sadio Mane was also burgled last year during time away with Liverpool on Champions League duty.