SWINDON Town’s head coach has said he hopes those responsible for burgling skipper Nathan Thompson’s home over the weekend are caught an punished.

The incident happened at approximately 4pm on Saturday at his home in the North Swindon area, while Thompson was playing for Swindon in their 3-1 win away to Coventry City.

A number of items of jewellery appear to have been taken in the break-in, including Thompson’s wedding rings - a women’s platinum plain wedding band and a men’s Cartier love ring in rose gold, size 57, which were bought ahead of his wedding this summer. These were in distinct red boxes and the certificates and receipts have also been stolen.

Sentimental jewellery that had been passed down to Thompson and his partner from deceased family members were also taken.

Witnesses reportedly saw two teenagers in the area behaving in a suspicious way and running off on foot, and are alleged to have been seen with some of the items that are now missing.

Speaking at a press conference on Monday, Town head coach Luke Williams urged anyone with any information surrounding the break-in to come forward and bring the perpetrators to justice.

He said: “It’s just terrible, as anyone who’s experienced that will know.

"It’s not so much about the possessions that are lost – although that’s awful – and it’s much more the trauma of knowing that somebody has been in your personal space, your home, which should be the safest place you can possibly be.

“I think these people are disgusting and whether or not they realise the stress that it causes people; I don’t know.

“I don’t suppose they care if they’re willing to do this kind of thing but I sincerely hope they’re caught and punished, and at least, some of the items that were taken can be replaced.

“If there’s one person in the group that’s got the personality, it’s him. I’d rather it didn’t happen to anyone but if it’s going to happen to someone, Nathan’s the one that would be able to deal with it the best, I’m sure.

“It’s just terrible and dreadful, and I appeal to anybody that’s got any information to come forward and help the Thompsons have some justice, and some peace of mind that people were held accountable.”

Anybody with any information about the burglary is being urged to contact Wiltshire Police on 101, or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.