Formula 1 great Alain Prost suffered a head injury when a masked gang raided his home, Swiss media reports claim.

The violent robbery took place at the home of the French four-time world champion in Nyon, about 25km north of Geneva, according to Blick., external

Police have confirmed a family was targeted by robbers at around 8:30am on Tuesday, but have not released the victims’ identities.

“Several masked individuals entered the house. Once inside, they threatened the occupants and slightly injured one family member in the head, under circumstances that are still being investigated,” a statement from the Vaud cantonal police force said.

“The perpetrators then forced another family member to open a safe before fleeing,” it added.

It said the value of the items stolen was still being assessed.

A “large-scale search operation” was launched involving both Swiss and French police and border security, while a psychological support team has been provided to the family, police added..

Prost, 71, drove for McLaren, Renault, Ferrari and Williams in a 13-year F1 career, winning the world title in 1985, 1986, 1989 and 1993.

Only Michael Schumacher, Lewis Hamilton, with seven titles each, and Juan Manuel Fangio, with five, have won more championships than Prost.