Police hunt Rooney's stolen memorabilia

LONDON, July 24 (Reuters) British police were today hunting for thieves who broke into the home of Wayne Rooney's parents to steal valuable memorabilia including an England shirt from this year's World Cup.

The burglars broke into the house in West Derby, Liverpool, on Saturday evening and took jewellery, an FA Cup Final shirt, a number of England caps and the BBC Young Sports Personality of the Year 2004 award.

The Sun newspaper said the Manchester United player's parents were on holiday when the break-in occurred.

''There are a number of very distinctive items of footballing memorabilia that have been stolen from the house,'' a Merseyside Police spokeswoman said.

''I'd ask members of the public to be on the look out in case they are offered such items for sale either on the street or in pubs or see the items for sale on the internet.'' The Sun offered a 1,000 pound reward for anyone who had information which could lead to the recovery of the stolen items.

REUTERS PM HT1427