Hunt for masked raiders

Jan 19 2009 by Neil Mckay, The Journal

POLICE are hunting a gang of four masked raiders who terrorised a retired businessman by tying him up before robbing him in his own home.

The robbers, brandishing baseball bats and, wearing balaclavas, burst into their victim’s house in Brooklands, Bishop Auckland, County Durham, on Friday at around 6pm.

During a 30-minute ordeal the man was overpowered and pinned to the ground.

One of the four robbers kept him pinned down while his arms and legs were tied together, while his three accomplices ransacked the house.

They fled with hundreds of pounds worth of cash and some of the victim’s possessions.

The man, who is in his fifties, eventually managed to free himself and get to a neighbour’s house to raise the alarm.

Detective Sergeant Mark Willoughby said the victim was badly shocked but did not need hospital treatment.

Police say the gang probably left in a vehicle.

Anyone with information should call Bishop Auckland police on 0345 60 60 365.