Footballer Andy Carroll 'feared for his life' in gunpoint robbery attempt, a court hears
FOOTBALL star Andy Carroll told a court yesterday how he hit several cars as he tried to escape gun-wielding robbers on two motorbikes.
Andy Carroll told a court how he hit several cars as he tried to escape gun-wielding robbers
The West Ham striker, 28, was returning from training when one of the riders pulled up alongside him at traffic lights and demanded his £22,000 watch.
The former England player weaved between traffi c and jumped a red light in a bid to flee in Hainault, northeast London, the court was told.
Carroll said he feared for his life and frantically sounded his horn to warn other drivers to get out of his way as he dialled 999 last November.
Carroll was returning from training when one of the riders demanded his £22,000 watch
He told the operator: “A motorbike is following me and he’s pulling out a gun. Seriously, I can’t slow down he’s got a gun.
A motorbike is following me and he’s pulling out a gun. Seriously, I can’t slow down he’s got a gun
"There’s two motorbikes following me and he’s pulling out a gun. I don’t know what to do. I’ve hit loads of cars.”
At one stage during the chase, Carroll briefly stopped his Jeep Wrangler and one of the suspects jumped off his bike and tried to smash a window.
After reaching the safety of West Ham’s training ground, Carroll told the 999 operator: “I’ve probably just hit about 10 cars on the way here."
Andy Carroll said he feared for his life
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A tape of Carroll’s 999 call and dash cam footage from a passing car were played to the jury.
During the phone call, Carroll struggled to recognise road names and the operator reassured him that police are not far away.
At one point, he said: “I’m a Premier League footballer.”
Bearded Carroll, who wore his trademark long hair in a bun, made a gun gesture with his hand when asked to describe what the biker had done.
Jack O’Brien, 22, of Romford, Essex, denies attempting to rob the footballer.
The trial at Basildon Crown Court continues.