Manchester City's Darius Vassell mugged of £23k worth of bling - Exclusive

Premiership star Darius Vassell was mugged of his £15,000 watch and £8,000 earrings after his club's Christmas party.

The former England striker was disputing a taxi fare in the early hours of Sunday morning when two men attacked him. The Manchester City forward was "roughed up" as his Cartier watch and jewellery were snatched. The 28-year-old was on his way home from City's Christmas bash in Manchester.

The footballers had enjoyed a sevencourse banquet at private members' club The Circle, where oysters, lobster and foie gras were on the menu. It is understood that Vassell shared a taxi with a woman back to his apartment in Didsbury. He got out to allow the woman to continue her journey and was arguing about the fare when he was attacked.

A source at Greater Manchester Police said they don't believe his attackers had recognised him. It appears that two men in a passing car may have spotted the roadside discussion and taken advantage. A source said: "They appeared on the scene and one said 'Look at the watch.'

The other said, 'Let's get them.' "It seems they ran at their victim, struck him a couple of times and stole his watch and earrings. They then got in a car and drove off. The victim was not injured, but roughed up."