Armed Robbery at couples home in Hindley - 20-08-2008

A couple have been attacked by armed robbers in their Hindley home.

Detectives are appealing for information on this crime in which the two
61-year-old victims were injured after being dragged around their house,
on Hall Lane, and struck with weapons.

At about 9.30pm on Monday 18 August 2008 the 61-year-old man answered a
knock at the door to find three masked men holding an axe, a sword and a
truncheon standing there.

The robbers pushed the man aside and forced their way into the house
demanding money.

Once inside they threatened him and his wife and continued to demand
money.

When the victims tried to explain they had no money in the house they were
struck with the weapons and dragged from room to room.

Eventually the woman managed to break free from the men and ran to the
back door shouting for help.

The robbers then took the gold Rolex watch the man was wearing and left
the scene in a dark coloured car, possibly a Renault.

The men are described as all wearing dark clothing and dark balaclavas.
They spoke with local accents.

The couple was not seriously injured in the robbery but have cuts and
bruises from being dragged around the house. They have been left extremely
shaken by this crime.

Detective Constable Andy Pickles from Wigan CID said: "This couple have
not only been injured by these vicious men but have been attacked in the
one place that they should always feel safe.

"These offenders are obviously prepared to use serious force to get
whatever they want, and we need to catch them.

"We want to urge anyone who might have been approached by someone selling
this Rolex to get in touch with us. It is crucial we stop these men from
hurting anyone else, and we can deal with any information we get
completely confidentially, but you must call if you know something about
this."

Anyone with any information about this robbery is asked to contact police
on 0161 856 7255 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

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