A REWARD of up to £5,000 is being offered for information about the theft of items from Saints legend Francis Benali's Southampton home.

The Daily Echo revealed earlier this month that burglars stole items including four watches, earrings, necklaces and rings from the former Saints skipper's home in Highfield earlier this month.

They also took two Apple Macbooks belonging to his children and containing family photographs during the raid, which happened between 5.30pm and 8.30pm on December 3.

Now Graham High Group Loss Adjustors, acting on behalf of Mr Benali, is stumping up a cash reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the thieves.

Speaking earlier this month, 45-year-old Mr Benali, who recently completed an epic 1,000-mile run between every Premier League club's grounds for charity, 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.”

Investigating officer 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 is asked to contact the duty Detective Sergeant at Shirley police station on 101, quoting crime reference number 44140 432972.