Carroll: My terror at ambush by gun gang

AGuN-wielding motorcycle rider tried to rob West Ham’s Andy Carroll of his £22,000 watch in a hold-up at traffic lights, a court heard yesterday.

Jack O’brien, 22, denies attempting to rob the striker as he drove his Jeep home from training on November 2, 2016.

Carroll was returning from his club’s training ground when he was chased by two motorbikes, basildon Crown Court heard.

Prosecutor Simon Gladwell said one of the robbers approached him at traffic Simon Jones broke the story on November 3 last year lights in Hainault, northeast London and demanded his watch.

When he realised what was happening, the terrified footballer, 28, sped off, drove on the wrong side of the road, struck at least 10 cars and jumped a red light as he raced back to his club’s training ground.

The footballer told the court: ‘ He just said, “Nice watch”. i said, “Thanks” and went to drive away and he said, “Give me your watch”.’

The motorbike rider ‘repeatedly pointed at him with a gun, or pretending to have a gun and demanding to have his watch’, the court heard.

Carroll said in a frantic 999 call played to the jury: ‘ There’s two motorbikes, one’s behind me pulling out a gun, i don’t know what to do.’ He also told the handler: ‘ i’m a Premier League footballer.’

The trial continues.