Mark Cavendish revealed that he and his family were involved in a violent armed robbery at the family home in Essex while the Quick Step sprinter was recovering from a crash at Ghent Six.

Cavendish said on Instagram that he was attacked by four masked, armed men who broke into the family's home on November 27, and the gang threatened his wife Peta and their four children with a knife.

The thieves fled with two watches, Cavendish wrote, appealing to anyone with information to come forward and call the police non-emergency number 101, citing reference 42/275184/21.

"In the early hours of November 27, while recuperating at my parents' home in Essex shortly after leaving the intensive care unit, four masked, armed men broke into the house where we were sleeping, threatened my wife and children and attacked me. They pulled knives on us and proceeded to ransack our belongings," Cavendish wrote.

"Among the items taken were two watches of great emotional value. But what was taken away was much, much worse: the sense of security, safety, privacy, and dignity that everyone is entitled to in their own home, not just my young family."

"The impact of this nightmare on my family is already heartbreakingly obvious." "So I ask that anyone who may be able to provide us with information call 101." "Citing reference number 42/275184/21."

Cavendish was discharged from a Belgian hospital and recuperated at home after the crash at Ghent Six on November 21.

The Manxman, who recently signed a new one-year contract to remain with Quick Step Alfa Vinyl, was involved in a crash on the last day of the track event and spent several days in the ICU with a punctured lung and two broken ribs.

Essex police confirmed that they were investigating an aggravated burglary (open in new tab) after a call was placed to Cavendish's home at 2:35 AM following the incident. According to a statement released by police, Cavendish was assaulted, but fortunately neither he nor his family suffered any serious injuries.

Police confirmed that the armed gang stole a Louis Vuitton suitcase and two expensive watches.

"This was undoubtedly an attempt on the home of a well-known British Olympic athlete, who was at the time recovering from serious injuries sustained in an accident during a competition, which was well known. Our investigation is proceeding at a rapid pace and we are following many lines of inquiry to apprehend the perpetrators," said Inspector Tony Atkin, the senior investigating officer on the case. [Mr. Cavendish and his wife were assaulted and threatened in their home with their young children. Thankfully, they are recovering, but the traumatic effects will be long lasting."

In addition to the statement and photos of the stolen items, police also released CCTV images of the robbers.

"We are releasing CCTV images of the individuals seen fleeing the scene today and anyone who recognizes them is asked to contact us immediately," Atkin said. 'We are also releasing images of a suitcase and two watches that were stolen during the incident.' [The perpetrators who stole these items are likely trying to sell these items off for a substantial sum of money. Anyone who has been offered these items is asked to contact us immediately.

"We understand that an incident such as this would naturally raise many concerns in the community. There will continue to be a visible crackdown on the area over the next few days as the investigation progresses."

Cavendish's ordeal was not the first time a professional cyclist was targeted by thieves this year. Alpecin Phoenix rider Alexander Richardson had his bike stolen in October in London's Richmond Park after an armed gang followed him and rammed him with a motorcycle before threatening him with a machete.

As well as calling 101 and giving the reference number 42/275184/21, information about the robbery and stolen goods can be given anonymously to Crimestoppers (opens in new tab) 0800 555 111.