Jack Grealish has spoken out for the first time since burglars targeted his home in a £1 million ‘jewellery raid’ last week.
The distressing incident at the Manchester City and England midfielder’s Cheshire mansion was reported to have taken place while the 28-year-old was in action playing up against Everton in a 3-1 Premier League victory on Boxing Day (Wednesday 27 December), all according to reports in The Sun, and several other reputable publications.
Around 10 members of the footballer‘s extended family were thought to have been inside the property at the time of the distressing incident, it has been reported.
The Birmingham-born player’s parents and long-term girlfriend Sasha Attwood were said to have been among those present in the home watching the match on TV at the time.
Jack Grealish has been targeted by thieves in a £1 million ‘jewellery raid’ at his Cheshire mansion / Credit: Jack Grealish (via Instagram)
The Sun’s reports suggested the family heard noises coming from upstairs, and Grealish‘s dogs soon began barking, prompting the family to subsequently press the property’s panic alarm to alert security and authorities – with police responding shortly after and going on to deploy officers, a dogs unit, and a helicopter.
ADVERTISEMENT
Reports have suggested the thieves got away with around £1 million worth of jewellery and watches, but no suspects were said to have been found at the time.
Now, for the first time since the incident, Jack Grealish has broken his silence and taken to Instagram to speak out on the “traumatic experience” his family endured.
Claiming he’d been left “devastated” by the events, the footballer wrote in a statement: “I can’t begin to explain how devastated I am over the burglary that took place at my home a few days ago. My family mean the world to me and nothing is more important than ensuring their safety. This has been a traumatic experience for all of us, I am just so grateful that nobody was hurt.
“I have had so many amazing experiences and achievements over the last 12 months, but to be honest, the best year of my life in football now doesn’t feel like something I can celebrate.
“The people that commit these terrible crimes have no idea of the damage they cause to peoples lives. I hope they are found and brought to justice so no other family has to go through what we have.
ADVERTISEMENT
Jack Grealish with his parents, siblings, and girlfriend at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar / Credit: Sasha Rebecca (via Instagram)
“I appreciate the messages from everyone and the support from my friends, teammates, and the club.
“On a more positive note, I’d like to thank everyone for their support throughout this past year, and I wish you and your family a happy 2024.”
The post amassed thousands of supportive comments from members of the public, as well as several of Grealish’s teammates.
Fellow Manchester City players Ederson, Jeremy Doku, Rico Lewis, Manuel Akanji, and Sergio Gomez were among those to comment on the post, as was former Aston Villa teammate John McGinn, and England teammate James Maddison also sent well wishes.
Dame Sarah Storey is going on Strictly Come Dancing 2026
Danny Jones
Record-breaking local athlete and Paralympian, Dame Sarah Storey, is set to become the latest to join the Strictly Come Dancing annals.
With the Strictly cast for 2026 steadily being unveiled, we always keep an eye out for the Greater Manchester names in particular.
That being said, we’re buzzing to see the hugely successful Stockport swimmer turned cyclist will be swapping her Team GB kit for sparkly, sequined ballroom gowns and an entirely different type of sport and fitness.
Announced on Friday, 17 July, Storey is the seventh celebrity to be confirmed for the 24th series of the hit BBC show and dancing competition.
Having represented her country not only at nine Paralympics but across two different disciplines after switching to the racing bike back in 2005, she’s our most decorated competitor in the entire history of the Games with 30 medals to her name – 19 of which are gold.
Absolute GOAT levels.
But now the Cheadle Hulme-born is once again set to show her versatility to see how she fares on the dance floor later this year.
Commenting ahead of the new-look season which starts this September, the 48-year-old said: “Embarking on a new challenge so soon after stepping down as an athlete is hugely exciting.
“I have always loved watching Strictly, and my daughter Louisa is a very talented dancer, so to be able to learn from the best and hopefully understand even more about her world is incredibly motivating! I can’t wait to get started!”
This latest sea-change comes not long after the local legend and sporting icon officially announced her retirement from professional sport more than three decades on from first bursting onto the scene.
Thank you for taking the time to leave all the incredible messages. It’s so wonderful to read them and thank you for being the greatest supporters 🥰
— Dame Sarah Storey (@DameSarahStorey) July 9, 2026
What a career she’s had; it obviously didn’t take her long to get tired of sitting still for once, either.
She will be joined by the likes of Lacey Turner, Dani Dyer, Delta Goodrem, Chris Appleton, Cach Mercer and Will Best.
In case you missed it, the upcoming edition of Strictly Come Dancing will be the first since Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman stepped down, with Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe and pro dancer Johannes Radebe stepping in as replacements.
In other starring Stockport news, we’ve finally got more info on the final season of a popular programme filmed in the area. Find out more down below.
Two more people arrested as investigation into Dovestone Reservoir moorland fire continues
Emily Sergeant
Two more people have been arrested as part of the ongoing investigation into the devastating moorland fire near Dovestone Reservoir.
Yesterday (16 July 2026), a 19-year-old woman was arrested on suspicion of arson and has been bailed pending further police enquiries, before a man in his 20s has today (17 July) been arrested on suspicion of arson, and remains in custody for questioning.
These follow the arrest and subsequent charging of 20-year-old Shania Care-Slede, from Hyde.
Care-Slede has been charged with aggravated arson, being reckless as to whether life was endangered, and dangerous driving, and was remanded in custody before appearing at Manchester Magistrates’ Court this past Tuesday (14 July).
After the blaze broke out this past Saturday evening (11 July) at the popular beauty spot in Oldham, prompting a major multi-agency response, fire crews from Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) have been working around the clock in challenging conditions to contain the fire and prevent further spread across the moorland.
Specialist wildfire resources, command support units, drone technology, and partner agencies have also been deployed as operations continue across multiple sectors of the incident.
To make matters worse, ‘strong’ winds carried smoke across parts of Greater Manchester – with reports of haze and the smell of burning being received from areas well beyond the immediate vicinity of the fire.
With three major arrests having already now been made, Greater Manchester Police (GMP) says its officers are continuing to pursue a number of lines of enquiry and are seeking to identify any other individuals who may have been involved.
“This investigation has been progressing at pace, we are nearly a week on and the fire at Dovestones is still ongoing, and it has had devastating effects it has had on the Reservoir,” commented Detective Inspector Andrew Day, of GMP’s Oldham division said.
“As this incident continues, officers would like to thank all emergency service partners for their support and dedication.
“In particular, our colleagues at Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service, whose firefighters have spent countless hours tackling the fire in demanding conditions.”
Emily Sergeant -
2nd January 2024 
