Former Newcastle striker Andy Carroll targeted by motorbike 'gunmen'

The 27-year-old striker was driving his Mercedes G-Wagon back to his home in Essex when he was approached by two motorcyclists, gesturing that they had a firearm, at a junction shortly before 1pm on Wednesday.

The Premier League star, who was born in Gateshead, sped off when they demanded he stop and he was pursued through the streets as he returned to the Rush Green training ground to seek the help of security staff.

The Metropolitan Police confirmed officers were called to reports of an attempted robbery at gunpoint in nearby Chigwell, north-east London.

A Scotland Yard spokeswoman said: "Police were called at around 12.45 on Wednesday, November 2, to reports of two males on motorcycles attempting to rob the driver of a car in Romford Road.

"The two men threatened the driver and intimated through gesture that they were in possession of a gun. The motorcyclists attempted to block the car as the driver sought to get away.

"The driver of the car - a man aged in his 20s - was able to manoeuvre away and he called police for assistance. The suspects rode off prior to the arrival of police.

"The driver of the car was spoken to and an allegation of attempted robbery was recorded."

Officers from Redbridge CID are investigating and are yet to make any arrests, the Met said.

A club spokesman said: "West Ham United can confirm an incident targeting one of our players on Wednesday 2 November. The matter is now being handled by the police."

Carroll played for Newcastle from 2006 to 2011, having been part of the club's youth programme. He spent 2007/08 on loan to Preston North End and joined Liverpool in 2011.

In 2012 he moved to West Ham on loan, making the move permaenent in 2013.