Police are hunting two men following a violent robbery at the London home of Watford FC midfielder Alexander Merkel.

The Metropolitan Police was called to the West Hempstead address of the player, who was on loan from Udinese, at around 10.30pm on May 2 after he was attacked on his doorstep.

Officers said ordeal began when raiders tried to kick his door down and rammed it with mopeds.

After Merkel came to the door one suspect, who had an Irish accent, is said to have tried to grab the player's watch.

While the player struggled with one assailant a second suspect then took a bag from his house, according to police.

The two men made off on two mopeds driven by another two men.

Officers described the men who approached the property as aged between 18 and 25. The one with the Irish accent was 6ft tall and slim while the other was around 6ft 2in and had a medium build.

Watford FC is yet to make a decision on whether the 22-year-old German, who played 11 games for the Golden Boys since joining in January, will be returning to Vicarage Road next season.

A statement from the club said: “We do not comment on private matters involving the club’s playing squad.”