Axe gang threatens family in safe raid (From St Helens Star)

Axe gang threatens family in safe raid

9:27am Thursday 4th February 2010

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A FAMILY was subjected to a terrifying ordeal when six raiders armed with axes targeted their home and cleaned out a safe.

The gang struck as the homeowner, believed to be a doctor, arrived home from work at his address in the affluent Park Avenue, in Eccleston Park.

It appears the six men, who police confirmed had at least one axe, had been waiting outside his house before they pounced.

The man was then forced to hand over his house keys before they got into the property, threatened his family, and emptied the safe.

His car keys were taken but the thugs fled without stealing the vehicle. It has not been revealed what value of goods they escaped with.

Senior police officers say the family, thought to be the doctor’s wife and children, were not injured but have been left very distressed.

It is the latest terror burglary to happen across the region – but police would not say whether it was being linked to similar crimes.

The burglars are described as white men between the ages of 18 and 22 years old, all wearing dark clothing.

Detective Chief Inspector Steve May said: "We take crimes of this nature extremely seriously and are determined to bring those responsible to justice.

"Being a victim of this type of confrontational burglary is particularly upsetting as it is an invasion of your home and personal property.

"While incidents such as this are rare, I would like to reassure the public we are determined to tackle this problem for the long term by putting a number of initiatives in place.

"Please contact us or Crimestoppers if you have information, which you think could help."

The raid happened shortly before 6.45pm on Thursday, January 28.

Anyone with information, or who witnessed anything suspicious, is asked to call Police on 0151 777 1562 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

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