Ozil beefs up home security with 24-hour dog patrol after gang threats

There are fears for Ozil's safety [Courtesy]

Mesut Ozil's home is being watched by a 24-hour dog patrol amid fears for his safety as he remains caught up in a gang war.

The precaution has been taken to protect the Arsenal star following threats against him and his family in the aftermath of last month's car-jacking incident.

A security team could be seen patrolling the area surrounding Ozil's £9million property in Hampstead Heath around the clock, along with trained canines.

Ozil and teammate Sead Kolasinac were left out of the Gunners' trip to Newcastle on Sunday for their Premier League season opener for safety reasons.

Speaking after Arsenal's win, boss Unai Emery said: "The club is managing that situation. We want to be available with them.

"Will they be ready next week? I don’t know."

The whole disturbance centres around an incident at the end of July where two knife-wielding attackers attempted to rob the Arsenal duo whilst they were in Ozil's Mercedes G Wagon.

Kolasinac fended off the assailants, but the issue has worsened since.

Arsenal were forced to release a statement prior to the trip to St James' Park to announce neither player would be in the squad.

The statement read: "Mesut Özil and Sead Kolasinac will not be part of the squad for our opening match against Newcastle United following further security incidents, which are being investigated by the police.

Dogs are patrolling Ozil's property along with security staff [Courtesy]

“The welfare of our players and their families is always a top priority and we have taken this decision following discussion with the players and their representatives.

“We are liaising with police and are providing the players and their families with support. We look forward to welcoming the players back to the squad as soon as possible.”

Both players have since been under 24-hour guard by means of protection as police arrested two men and charged them under the Public Order Act.

Ferhat Ercan, of Highgate, and Salaman Ekinci, of Tottenham, have now been called to appear at Highbury Corner magistrates' court on September 6, after allegedly confronting each player at their own homes following the initial altercation.

A London-based gang are believed to have threatened to rob both stars 'of everything' which has caused Kolasinac's wife Bella to flee back to Germany.

Specially trained canines have been brought in to beef up protection [Courtesy]

A source told the Sun: “Word came back from the other gangsters that they would not be intimidated.

“To show they were serious, the thugs issued more threats to the Arsenal players and refused to be cowed.

“It was thought that originally the robbers wanted their watches but now they have been told that they want everything the pair have.”

An Eastern European gang are said to have intervened in a bid to prevent further attacks on the Gunners pair.

“Kolasinac has lots of friends in North London and the players are very popular" the source added.

“The attempted robbery was so brazen that it shocked a lot of people.”

Arsenal are next due to host Burnley at home in North London on Saturday.