The Manchester Evening News reports two armed raiders climbed over the gates to the property in Hale, Cheshire, and ransacked the home, fleeing in the family's 4x4.

Heskey's wife and his two youngest children were at the house when it was raided while the England striker was at training.

A spokesman for Wigan Athletic said: "We can confirm there was an incident last Wednesday at Emile Heskey's home.

"Thankfully no-one was hurt. The matter is being handled by police and the player and club do not wish to comment any further."

A spokesman for Greater Manchester Police said: "At around 10.45am on Wednesday 16 July 2008, police were called to an address in Hale, following reports of a burglary.

"Officers attended and discovered a woman had been threatened at knifepoint after two men broke into the address. The men escaped with a number of items in a stolen BMW. Inquiries are continuing."