Former Olympic champion Sir Ben Ainslie robbed of £17,000 Rolex at knifepoint by Barcelona gang after leaving restaurant

SIR Ben Ainslie was robbed at knifepoint for his £17,000 Rolex in Barcelona.

Ainslie , 47, recalled the horror as a gang mugged him while out for a meal on Saturday night in the Spanish city.

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The terrifying attack unfolded when he was leaving a restaurant, as reported by local media La Vanguardia.

Ainslie reported the theft to Barcelona police forces on Monday.

He told The Daily Telegraph : “Barcelona is a fantastic host city for the America’s Cup, and the team has felt welcomed and is enjoying our stay in this vibrant city.

“Like in all big cities, you can be affected by opportunistic crime and my situation is no different. This matter is now with the local authorities.”

It comes as the four-time Olympic sailing gold medallist is working towards leading the British crew to a first-ever victory at the America’s Cup.

On Thursday Sir Ben, who is team principal and skipper, is scheduled to start racing in the Louis Vuitton Cup.

This involves a gruelling set of races that determine which boat will take on defending champions New Zealand for the America’s Cup in October.

The British team are backed by Manchester United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s Ineos Group.

Sir Ben has scooped medals at five consecutive Olympics from 1996 onwards, including gold at four consecutive games held between 2000 and 2012.

It comes after Nick Grimshaw was targeted by a masked gang of thieves in Ibiza who ransacked his luxury apartment.

The former Radio 1 DJ had rented the villa to celebrate his 40th birthday with his family.

It is believed the raid was targeted, following a spate of high-level robberies on the White Isle.

And, EastEnders star Jacqueline Jossa had £20,000 of jewellery and cash stolen by burglars as she and her children slept in their holiday villa.

The terrified actress, 31, woke to see two masked raiders shining torches in rooms on August 25.

They fled with valuables including her engagement diamond ring, a gift from hubby of seven years Dan Osborne .

Electrical goods and designer clothes were taken in Marbella , with cash lifted from one of the children’s backpacks.