8:12am Monday 8th February 2010
An elderly couple are said to be “shaken and upset” after being threatened by masked men who ransacked their home and fled with cash.
One of the offenders struck the elderly man in the face during the attack at a house in Sutton-in-Craven on Thursday at about 9pm.
Detectives described the robbery as “callous” and “shocking.”
They said it involved three men wearing balaclavas, two of whom entered the house and spent a period of time hunting for valuables.
Detective Inspector Heather Pearson said: “The occupants of the house are a couple both in their 70s. The lady is not in good health. The actions of those responsible are particularly callous and cruel.
“Any attack that takes place within the home understandably leaves people feeling vulnerable and this offence has left both victims shaken and upset.”
A short time after the robbery, three men in balaclavas confronted the occupants of a vehicle that was blocking their escape route near Ellers Road, Sutton.
The men demanded the key from the occupant’s vehicle and threatened them before making off in a red or maroon estate car.
The getaway car was last seen heading down Ellers Road at 9.20pm.
Det Insp Pearson said: “I would seek to reassure the community of Sutton-in-Craven that we are actively pursuing all lines of inquiry. Offences of this nature, while shocking, are rare.”
Anyone with information should call the police on 0845 6060 247, quoting Sutton-in Craven robber, or the confidential Crimestoppers line on 0800 555111.
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