Arrest over break-in at home of England cricket captain Ben Stokes
He says his wife and children were at home when it happened earlier this month
Last updated 1st Nov 2024
Police investigating a break-in at the home of England cricket captain Ben Stokes say they've made an arrest.
Stokes said his wife and two children were at home in Castle Eden, County Durham, when his OBE and other valuables were taken on 17th October.
Durham Police said a 32-year-old man from North Yorkshire was arrested on suspicion of burglary overnight on Thursday.
He has since been bailed while inquiries continue.
Stokes, who's originally from Cockermouth in Cumbria, had been in Pakistan for a cricket test on the night of the incident.
He since said on social media, the items stolen included the medal which he received when he was made an OBE in the 2020 New Year Honours, for helping England win the World Cup the year before.
Describing the break-in on his personal X account, Stokes also posted images of the things stolen from his home.
Items pictured include a Christian Dior handbag, a gold ring with England cricket insignia and bracelets.
"By far the worst thing about this crime is that it was carried out whilst my wife and two young children were in the house," Stokes wrote.
"Thankfully, none of my family came to any physical harm. Understandably, however, the experience has had an impact on their emotional and mental state.
"All we can think about is how much worse this situation could have been."
A Durham Constabulary spokesperson said: "Officers continue to appeal for information and anyone who can help is asked to call 101 quoting incident number 543 of October 17."
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