Ben Stokes reveals home burgled by masked gang while on Pakistan tour

England cricketer's home was broken into on the evening of December 24 as his wife was at home with their two young children

Thieves ransacked the property in a 'horrible' burglary

England cricketer Ben Stokes has revealed that his home was burgled by a masked gang while he was away with the England cricket team on tour in Pakistan.

The incident happened on the evening of December 24, with burglars breaking into Stokes' home in Castle Eden, County Durham, while his wife Clare and their two young children were at home.

The thieves ransacked the property, stealing watches, jewellery and other valuables.

Stokes, who was playing in the first Test against Pakistan in Rawalpindi at the time of the burglary, said he was "devastated" by the incident.

"It's horrible to think that someone has broken into your home and violated your privacy like that," he said.

"I just feel really lucky that my wife and kids were okay, but it's still a really horrible thing to have happened."

The incident has been reported to the police, and investigations are ongoing.

Stokes is currently playing in the second Test against Pakistan in Multan, and has said that the burglary will not affect his focus on the game.

"I'm just trying to take it one day at a time and focus on my cricket," he said.

"I know that my family is safe and that's the most important thing."