Ex-Scotland star, 36, and his mum attacked by hammer-wielding motorcycle thugs

A FORMER Scotland international and his mum were targeted by hammer-wielding robbers in a terrifying attack at his home raid last week.

Ikechi Anya, 36, who was capped 26 times by Scotland, was in his house in Kidlington, Oxfordshire, when the criminals barged in.

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The thugs stole three watches – including a Chopard Classic Racing Superfast with the Watford FC badge and ‘April 2015’ engraved on it – a memento honouring the memorable season that he earned promotion to the Premier League with his former club.

He also lost a Hublot Classic Fusion Original Black Magic 33mm and a Rolex Oyster Perpetual 34mm black to the robbers, who were wearing motorcycle helmets during the attack.

The star‘s brother Chima Anya revealed the horrifying ordeal to his followers on social media platform X while linking to a police appeal on the incident.

He said: “Got some real bad news today, Ikechi was robbed… they took his #Watfordfc Chopard amongst other watches, my mum and him were in the house when they did, if people could circulate this would be grateful.”

Watford legend Luther Blissett replied to the post, saying: “Hope the family are ok. Dreadful thing to happen.

“Let’s hope they are quickly caught and duly punished.”

Police confirmed Anya’s mother – aged in her 60s – suffered minor injuries during the raid.

Thames Valley Police confirmed the two robbers arrived in a black motorcycle at around 11am last Friday.

They said the men, who are described as white and of mixed heritage, later fled on the same bike after the attack.

Investigating officer Detective Inspector Kate May added: “I understand this may be concerning for the community but there is nothing to suggest there is any wider threat to the public.

“We have an increased police presence in the area tonight and tomorrow, so please speak to a uniformed officer if you have concerns or questions.

“I am appealing for anyone who may have witnessed this aggravated burglary, the motorcyclists in the vicinity or has information about it to please get in touch.

“Also, if you have any CCTV footage or any dash-cam footage if you were in the area around the time, I’d also ask that you check any recordings in case it has captured something that could assist our investigation.”

Glasgow-born Anya, who played as both a winger and full-back, was handed his international debut for Scotland in 2013 by Gordon Strachan while starring for Watford.

He scored three goals for the Tartan Army – including an incredible goal against Germany in 2014 and winner against Czech Republic in 2016.

Retiring in 2020, Anya played for 12 clubs in England and Spain, and was voted the SFWA International Player of the Year in the 2014/15 season.

His goal against Germany will always be remembered and even he couldn’t believe he found the net in Dortmund eight years ago.

Speaking the day after the 2-1 defeat, Anya joked that he couldn’t even score against legendary Manuel Neuer in Fifa.

He said: “I scored past Manuel Neuer! Wow. I can’t even do that on Fifa!

“In all actuality, to work this hard for a passion is worth more than a salary.

“Best feeling ever. No words needed.

“The fact that I had a hand in making so many people happy last night, it’s such a reward in itself and something that leaves me feeling very proud.”

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