Thieves Raid Home Of England's Cole

By Paul Collins

England footballer Ashley Cole will be putting in a call to his home insurance company after burglars raided his bachelor pad while he was away with the national team.

The 29-year-old was preparing with the rest of the squad ahead of the Euro 2012 qualifier against Switzerland when his new flat in Esher, Surrey, was targeted by thieves.

Police are still waiting to speak to the footballer, who plays his club football with Chelsea, about what exactly was stolen from the property.

The break-in ended an eventful week for Cole, who had his "quickie divorce" from X Factor judge Cheryl confirmed on Friday.

A Surrey police spokesman said: "We can confirm that Surrey police is investigating a break-in at a property in Portsmouth Road, Esher, on Saturday afternoon. No-one was injured and inquiries are continuing."

In February burglars fled empty-handed after trying to break into the £4.5 million Surrey mansion he shared with his ex-wife.

The pop star filed for divorce on the grounds of Cole's unreasonable behaviour in the wake of public allegations about the England and Chelsea defender's infidelity.