Footballers warned over carjackings

London, Jan 11: Top footballers have been asked to take extra security measures after a series of carjackings. Players from Manchester United and other Northwest clubs Police have been told to stay alert after a series of top-of-the-range cars were targeted.

The attacks took place in Wilmslow, Alderley Edge and Handforth Dean, Cheshire, which are deep in 'footballers" wives" territory. In the latest attack, the fifth in less than a month, a man of 42 was punched in the mouth and dragged from his 4x4 by a gang who made off with his 25,000-pound car .

The theft occurred just yards from where Coleen Rooney, wife of England football star Wayne Rooney, regularly goes for tanning and beauty treatments in Wilmslow. Just three days earlier, a terrified female motorist was forced to hand over her car keys after two masked men attacked her with a baseball bat while she was still in her car.

The incidents may be linked to two earlier carjackings at Handforth Dean, close to where many celebrities do their shopping, say the police. Wilmslow police have issued fresh warnings to drivers of expensive, high-powered cars to be careful when out late at night.

“These are clearly the same people committing these crimes and we would like any witnesses or anyone who knows anything about the carjackings to come forward," the Daily Star quoted Det Sgt Iain Madden, as saying. “We also want motorists to do all they can to help prevent this happening by being vigilant and staying in well-lit, populated areas," Madden added.

ANI