England’s Test cricket captain, Ben Stokes, revealed on Wednesday that a masked gang had broken into his family home while he was in Pakistan for a recent cricket tour.
Stokes, 33, shared that although his family escaped “any physical harm,” several items with “sentimental” value were stolen. At the time of the burglary, Stokes’ wife, Claire, and their children, Layton and Libby, were in the house. The incident took place on the evening of October 17 in the Castle Eden area of northeast England, as Stokes was leading England in the second Test, a match that ultimately contributed to a 2-1 series loss.
In a social media post, Stokes stated, “A group of masked individuals burglarized my home, taking jewelry, other valuables, and numerous personal items. Many of these items have significant sentimental value for my family and me, and they cannot be replaced.”
Appealing to the public, he added, “This appeal is for any assistance in identifying those responsible.”
Stokes emphasized the trauma his family endured, noting, “The most distressing part of this crime is that it happened while my wife and young children were inside the home. Although unharmed physically, the experience has understandably affected their emotional and mental well-being. We can’t stop thinking about how much worse this could have been.”
Stokes also shared images of some stolen items, hoping they might be recognized. He clarified that his main intent in sharing the photos is not to recover the items but to identify and hold accountable those responsible for the burglary.
