Two men have been arrested after a homeowner was 'pinned down and attacked' by armed thieves during a terrifying house raid in Kimberley, Nottinghamshire. Masked men in dark clothing smashed their way into the home, one armed with a sledgehammer and another with a pickaxe.
Attack Details
The gang of thugs reportedly stole watches and designer clothes valued at nearly £1 million. A male victim attempted to confront the intruders and was struck on the back and knee with the sledgehammer, police said. He was then assaulted and pinned to a sofa, before the attackers demanded to know the location of valuables and access to a safe.
The victim was threatened with further violence and gave the attackers keys to his safe. The offenders then filled a sack with a large quantity of luxury watches. At the same time, his wife was physically dragged upstairs and forced to show the assailants where the rest of the watches were stored. The thugs also stole her luxury designer handbags, a mobile phone and a purse containing bank cards.
Previous Arrests
Four men, aged 18, 21, 23 and 24, alongside a 33-year-old woman, were previously arrested following inquiries by Nottinghamshire Police. They were all released on conditional bail. Two further suspects were arrested on Friday, May 8. A 35-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of robbery and conspiracy to commit robbery and a 31-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit robbery. Both were released on conditional bail.
Police Appeal
Detective Constable James Gill, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: 'While we have now made seven arrests so far in our investigation, we are still keen to hear from anyone with any information who has not yet spoken to us as this could really help us with our ongoing inquiries.'
Stolen Items
The watches stolen included an Audemars Piguet Royal Oak QP perpetual calendar, a Rolex 'Platona' Daytona Cosmograph, an Omega Speedmaster 'Snoopy' 50th anniversary and a pair of matching gents and ladies Audemars Piguet Royal Oak 'London' edition. A number of designer handbags from Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Chanel, Jimmy Choo and Dior were also taken.
