A Hale family suffered a “terrifying” ordeal during an armed robbery last night that saw a number of guns and expensive jewellery stolen.
Police were called to a large property on South Downs Road shortly after 7.10pm last evening.
Three men, armed with a hammer and baseball bat, had smashed through the rear patio door before threatening a 49-year-old man and a 40-year-old woman. Three young children were also in the house at the time.
The men threatened the victims and forced them to remove their jewellery before demanding firearms – which the homeowners were fully licensed to own.
The robbers then fled from the address with a quantity of stolen jewellery – including wedding rings and watches – and five firearms.
The jewellery included a ladies’ Patek Philippe diamond watch, a six-diamond yellow gold wedding ring, a yellow gold engagement ring, a solitaire diamond yellow gold ring, white gold diamond bracelet, diamond solitaire necklace and a men’s Rolex watch.
Several police vehicles attended the scene and an area search was carried out with the support of a police helicopter and police dogs, but no arrests have so far been made.
Enquiries are ongoing and police are appealing for the public’s help to trace the offenders.
Detective Inspector Dave Jones, of GMP’s Trafford district, said: “A family were subjected to a terrifying ordeal in their own home at the hands of these men and we’re determined to find those responsible.
“There were three young children in the property at the time and clearly this incident could easily have had devastating consequences, but thankfully no-one was injured.
“I understand the concern that this incident will cause and want to assure the community that we don’t believe there to be any wider threat and there will be an increased police presence in the area throughout the coming days.
“We are working to piece together the circumstances surrounding this burglary and would encourage any members of the public with information or any witnesses to get in touch as soon as possible.”
Anyone with information should call police on 0161 856 7747 or 101 quoting incident number 1879 of 13/02/2019, or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
