Premier League star Andy Carroll 'bought two £15,000 mastiff dogs over fears he was being targeted by criminal gang months before his carjacking terror'

He ordered two Cane Corsos mastiff dogs because he feared for his family
The dogs, costing at least £15,000 each, are being trained and will be delivered soon
He was threatened by armed bikers as he drove home from West Ham's training ground last week
Carroll, 27, has since hired a bodyguard and security at the Premier League club has been increased

Published: 02:06 GMT, 6 November 2016 | Updated: 14:49 GMT, 6 November 2016

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The breed, called Cane Corsos, can weigh up to seven-and-a-half stone

Premier League star Andy Carroll, who was chased by gunmen in a terrifying robbery attempt last week, ordered two fearsome £15,000 guard dogs in the months leading up to the ordeal.

The England and West Ham striker, 27, was threatened by armed bikers at traffic lights as he drove home from training last Wednesday.

Fearing for his life, he sped away - but it has now been claimed he paid at least £30,000 for two Italian mastiffs because he feared for his family's safety.

The breed, called Cane Corsos, can weigh up to seven-and-a-half stone.

The animals are renowned for being excellent guard dogs, which can be trained to be safe around children.

But they have also been involved with vicious attacks, including the killing of Craig Sytsma, 46, in Michigan in 2014.

The director of the company which sold the animals to the football star said the dogs would be delivered very soon.

It has now been claimed that Carroll paid at least £30,000 for two Italian mastiffs because he feared for his family's safety

Richard Douglas, director of Chaperone K9 in Leicestershire, told The Sun on Sunday: They are not aggressive animals in the slightest, until called upon.'

Mr Douglas continued: 'Footballers are obviously targeted individuals. They want something that when they go away will keep their family safe.'

He declined to reveal how much the dogs cost, but said prices start at £15,000.

Carroll has also hired a bodyguard since the ordeal.

Driving in a state of panic pursued by the motorbikes, Carroll turned and headed back to West Ham’s training ground at Rush Green in Essex, hoping to reach safety and receive help from the club’s security staff.

The would-be assailants failed to keep up with Carroll as he drove at speed.

On reaching the training ground he left his top-of-the-range SUV vehicle and ran to reception seeking help.

The England and West Ham striker was left 'shaken and stunned' by the ordeal, during which he was threatened with a gun

West Ham have since beefed up security at their Rush Green training base and will offer Carroll, who earns £90,000 a week, any support he needs in the aftermath of his lucky escape.

During his pre-match press conference on Thursday, Hammers manager Slaven Bilic revealed the incident has left everyone shocked.

Bilic said: 'I saw a few of the players and when we heard about it we were shocked. To be fair, we are not under siege here. This was a one-off.'

Carroll, who has a two year old son, Arlo, with fiancee Billi Mucklow, a star of TV show TOWIE, was driving a £100,000 Mercedes G-Wagon when he was targeted.

No arrests have been made in connection with the robbery, which was exclusively reported by Sportsmail.