The neighbours of Ian Wright have spoken of their shock after his family were robbed at knifepoint in their Kensal Rise home.

Four men stormed their way into the former Arsenal striker’s home where they threatened his wife Nancy Hallam with a knife before making off with personal property and jewellery.

The couple’s two young children were in another room when the robber took place on Wednesday at around 9.20pm.

The ex-England ace took the first plane home from Brazil, where he has been commentating on the World Cup for ITV, offering no comment when he arrived back yesterday.

Neighbour Matteo Ferrero, 36, who was himself a victim of a burglary in April, told the Times: “They tried to break in at one in the morning when I was still up with a friend through the front but my dog scared them away.

“They came back at 6am and took what they can before setting off.”

“It was a huge shock and I completely understand and sympathise with the [Wright] family.

“I’d be petrified if I was held at knifepoint.”

Another neighbour, who did not want to be named, said the ordeal had left her “shaking.”

She said: “I am extremely shocked and I do feel vulnerable because I live on my own.

“It is such a shame they went through it and what a horrible thing for the children especially to experience.”

She added: “They are a delightful family. They are very low key.

“He is one of us; we do not treat him like Ian Wright the celebrity.”

Before boarding his plane back to the UK Mr Wright tweeted: “You won’t get away with it.”

The suspects are black, aged between 18-25, and were wearing dark clothing and hoodies obscuring their faces.

They spoke with a London accent.

DCI Mick Gornall, who is leading the investigation, said: “We are trying to trace these four men, and I’d ask anyone who may know anything to get in touch with my team and help us.

“Fortunately no one was injured during the burglary, but it is still very frightening to have people force their way into your home and threaten you.

“Last night officers went to the address and started carrying out house to house enquiries, we are also seizing and reviewing CCTV.”

Any witnesses or anyone with any information should call police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.