Andy Carroll Reportedly Threatened at Gunpoint After West Ham Training Session

West Ham United forward Andy Carroll was threatened at gunpoint after finishing training on Wednesday before returning to the team’s Rush Green base for safety.

That’s according to Sky Sports News HQ, which quoted a statement from the club noting one of its players had been involved in an incident. "West Ham United can confirm an incident targeting one of our players on Wednesday November 2," it read. "The matter is now being handled by the police."

Simon Jones of the Daily Mail added further details, suggesting that Carroll was halted by two pursuers on motorcycles, one of whom was holding a firearm. The 27-year-old is then said to have driven at speed back to the club's training complex; on arrival, it's stated he abandoned his vehicle and dashed inside.

According to a source referenced by Jones, the England international forward collided with other vehicles as he sought to escape the men in his Mercedes G-Wagon. His pursuers failed to keep pace with him, it’s reported, as Carroll went back to the training ground and assistance from the club’s security staff.

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Another source quoted in the piece said Carroll was "shaken and stunned" by the affair. The former Newcastle United and Liverpool man was reportedly recovering from the ordeal at home on Wednesday evening.

West Ham boss Slaven Bilic has praised the conduct of his player in the face of danger. "He was probably targeted," the Croatian said, per Paul Vinnell of Sky Sports. "I don't think it was a coincidence, and he was chased for a long time. He was very brave and came back to the training ground. Thankfully he is good and not in shock. He acted in a brave manner."

A statement from police on Wednesday night revealed they were investigating an incident of this nature. "The two men threatened the driver," it read (h/t Jones). "The motorcyclists attempted to block the car as the driver sought to get away. The suspects rode off prior to the arrival of police. There has been no arrest."

On the field, it’s been a frustrating time for Carroll. Injuries have limited him to a solitary Premier League appearance in 2016-17, and according to Jones, he will not be fit to play a part on Saturday as West Ham host Stoke City at London Stadium.