Kyren Wilson has spoken of his devastation after burglars raided his family home while he was competing in Leicester, stealing luxury watches, jewellery and cash earmarked for a children's cancer charity.
The former world champion revealed the break-in took place on Monday morning as he prepared to play in the Championship League Snooker event, with intruders captured on CCTV during the incident.
Wilson, 34, later confirmed he had withdrawn from the tournament following the burglary, with scheduled matches against Dylan Emery, Michal Szubarczyk and Haydon Pinhey awarded as walkovers.
The Kettering-born star shared details of the ordeal in a statement posted to Instagram, explaining that several items of considerable sentimental value had been taken.
"This morning, between 11.04am and 11.22am, my home was burgled while I was away competing in the Championship League Snooker event in Leicester," Wilson wrote.
"The offenders were captured on CCTV and stole several items of significant sentimental and financial value, including a Cartier watch, an Audemars Piguet watch, a ladies' Rolex Datejust with a pink dial, and a blue sapphire necklace that I bought for my wife to celebrate our 10-year wedding anniversary."
Wilson also revealed that thieves had taken £2,000 in cash that had been intended for charity.
Kyren Wilson has spoken of his devastation after burglars raided his family home while he was competing in Leicester, stealing luxury watches, jewellery and cash earmarked for a children's cancer charity
|GETTY
"They also stole £2,000 in cash that had been set aside as a donation to the BeMoreFab Children's Cancer Charity, making this incident even more upsetting for our family," he said.
The 2024 world champion admitted the burglary had hit his family hard, insisting the emotional significance of the stolen possessions outweighed their monetary value.
"This has been a deeply distressing experience, not because of the value of the items alone, but because of the personal memories and meaning attached to them," Wilson continued.
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Five quirky facts about snooker | PAThe matter has been reported to police, with officers examining CCTV footage as part of their enquiries.
Wilson appealed to members of the public to come forward if they have any information that could assist the investigation or if they are offered any of the stolen items.
"The matter has been reported to the police and the CCTV footage is being reviewed," he added.
"If anyone has any information that may assist the investigation, or is offered any of the items described above, please get in touch immediately.
Kyren Wilson has appealed to members of the public to come forward if they have any information that could assist the investigation or if they are offered any of the stolen items
|GETTY
"I would appreciate it if people could share this post to help raise awareness and assist in recovering these items.
"Thank you for your support."
Wilson, a former world No 2, lifted snooker's biggest prize at the Crucible in 2024 and remains one of the sport's leading figures.
However, his immediate focus has shifted away from the table as he and his family come to terms with what he described as a deeply upsetting experience.