Thieves raid the home of former Saints star Francis Benali - just days after the Winchester home of Victor Wanyama was targeted

Former Southampton player Francis Benali and his family have been left devastated after their home, in the Highfield area of the city, was broken into.

It comes just a week after burglars targeted the Winchester home of Saints midfielder Victor Wanyama, while he was away playing for Saints.

Officers confirmed they are investigating the possibility that the two burglaries are linked, but said there was nothing at this stage to suggest a direct link.

Raiders targeted Benali's home between 5.30pm and 8.30pm, on Wednesday (DEC3), the night that Saints were playing Arsenal away in London. Benali was not at the game.

The thieves escaped with a haul of items, many of which were personal and hold great sentimental value to the family, such as photographs which can never been replaced.

They fled with jewellery, including four wrist watches, earrings necklaces and rings, as well as two Apple Macbooks belonging to Benali and his children, that have family photographs stored on them.

Benali said: “This has been a distressing intrusion of our family home especially for my wife and children.“In particular we have lost extremely sentimental items that cannot be replaced including photographs on the laptops and jewellery. “Anyone who has any information regarding this burglary, please contact the police.”

The Ex-Saints Association has spoken of its disgust that thieves should target Benali, who has just raised almost £180,000 for Cancer Research UK.

Victor Wanyama

Benali's Big Run in the summer saw the former footballer push himself to his physical limits, running an incredible 1,000 miles, between every Premier League club, over 21 days.

Huge crowds lined the streets of Southampton as he made his way to the finish line at St Mary's Stadium.

Mike Thew, the association's chairman, said: “I think it is absolutely disgusting to do that to him, he is an absolutely lovely guy.

“It is a great shame for him and his family. They must be devastated.

“He has put so much back into the community. He deserves a commendation for what he did with Benali's Big Run.”

Just a week earlier 23-year-old Wanyama discovered his home had been burgled when he got home from playing against Aston Villa, in the Midlands.

Francis Benali as he compelted his big run challenge

While he had been battling on the pitch to help Saints secure a 1-1 draw, burglars raided his home taking electrical goods, furniture, designer clothing, jewellery, around 30 pairs of shoes, and his car, a Ranger Rover Sport, estimated to be worth around £60,000.

The car was later recovered in Buckinghamshire.

Hampshire police believe the burglary happened sometime between 8.30am on Sunday November 23 and 2.15am on November 25.

The Daily Echo understands that Southampton FC works with their players to advise them on their personal security and take a number of extra precautions to help them keep themselves and their property as safe as possible.

In 2007 and 2008 several Liverpool players were burgled while they were on the pitch during an 18-month spate of thefts.

Steven Gerrard, Dirk Kuyt, Pepe Reina and Daniel Agger were all targeted by thieves.

Brazilian midfielder Lucas Leiva's home was raided while he played in the Champions League and returned home to find an Olympic bronze medal had been stolen.

Former Saints star Peter Crouch was also targeted when his home in Alderley Edge was struck in September 2006 while he was away on international duty.

Officers are now appealing for anyone with information about the burglary at Benali's home to come forward and help catch those responsible and trace the items stolen.

Detective Constable Mark Bradley said: “Mr Benali is well known in Southampton and among football supporters and I hope that if anyone comes into contact with the laptops in particular they will recognise his photographs and get in contact with us.”

Anyone with information should contact the duty Detective Sergeant at Shirley police station on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.