Purley couple suffer violent burglary

Three masked men attack husband and wife with baseball bats

A PURLEY couple suffered a terrifying ordeal as they were attacked in their home by masked men wielding baseball bats.

Answering a knock at the door of their Colyton Way property at around 9pm on Easter Sunday, the wife of the couple, aged 52, was faced with three men, dressed in black, wearing ski masks or balaclavas, brandishing bats.

She was struck on the head as the men forced their way into the property, and inside they continued to attack her and her 59-year old partner, hitting him on the head several times.

The men demanded money and ransacked the home looking for valuables before escaping, it is believed, in the direction of the River Thames, with a cash tin and jewellery.

Both victims required hospital treatment, with the man suffering head injuries and the woman suffering injuries to her head and arms.

Thames Valley Police is appealing for witnesses.

Dc Greg Hulse, of the Serious Crime Unit based at Newbury, said: “This was a very frightening attack on a couple in their own home. It is crucial that any witnesses come forward with information to help us catch the offenders. No piece of information is too small.

“We are investigating what the motive could be for the robbery, but it looks as if it may have simply been for money.”

Anyone who has information is asked to contact police on 0845 8 505505, or anonymously on 0800 555111.