Last year West Ham United striker Andy Carroll was caught up in an attempted theft when men on motorcycles followed him home from training and tried to rob him of his £22,000 at gun point.
As reported by The Sun the former England international was on the way home from training this afternoon when he was held at gunpoint in an attempted armed robbery. The police believed the attack was targeted.
According to the newspaper the former Liverpool striker was driving just a few minutes away from the Irons' Rush Green training ground near Chigwell when the incident happened.
Carroll is once again sidelined with an injury and hasn't played since the beginning of April. Image: PA
The tall forward was left shaken but unharmed after two motorcyclists pulled up alongside his Mercedes 4x4 at a junction waving guns at him and demanding he pull over. Instead the former Newcastle man sped off 'fearing for his life.'
22 year old Jack O'Brien was today jailed for 11 years for attempted robbery after his trial and a clip was shared by the Metropolitan Police of the chase in broad daylight that led the footballer to drive on the wrong side of the wrong to get away from his chasers.
The men pulled up next to the former Newcastle player at a traffic light when it turned red with one man shouting 'Give me the watch' and making signals to suggest that he had a weapon on him.
Carroll returned to the training ground after the incident and now travels to and from training with armed security as protection.
The 28 year-old hasn't played football since April, when he picked up another injury, and only played for the Hammers 18 times in the Premier League last season due to numerous injuries.
Carroll's career has been blighted by injuries. Image: PA
Speaking in court today Judge John Lodge told O'Brien, "I have no doubt at all in saying that by reason of the planning of that sophisticated offence, the length of time that you pursued that vehicle, and that you were again using your motorcycle equipment as a disguise, you are at the very top of the bracket of culpability."
The second man is still 'outstanding.'
Featured Image Credit:Topics: Andy Carroll