Elderly couple attacked in Hornchurch robbery

THE BURGLARY was violent. Three, or maybe four, young men went into the home of an elderly couple via the back door. Intent on finding money, they set out to terrify the couple until they got it.

The attack took place at around 8.30-9.00pm on Saturday, 18th April in Parkstone Road, Hornchurch. The burglars viciously assaulted both residents (we have chosen not to print the full details) and went on to intimidate them as they tried to find out if there was any money in the property. Eventually the burglars found a small amount of cash – and left. The couple’s injuries were not too severe, but the man was taken to hospital as a precaution.

There is little evidence to help the investigation. The burglars wore gloves and their faces were covered. They spoke with what may have been eastern European accents. Detectives from the East Area Burglary and Robbery Investigation Team are trying to identify and locate the suspects – and they have appealed to the public for help. With little evidence from inside the burglary, police are relying on someone having seen the suspects enter or leave the property or pass through the immediate area.

T/DC Ciara Arthur promised, “My colleagues and I will do everything possible to catch these criminals.” She went on to explain, “I just ask everyone local to Hornchurch to think carefully about whether you saw anything suspicious on Saturday evening. The streets are quiet and any suspicious behaviour would have been all the more obvious. Did you see an unusual car in a residential area, a group of men hurrying or maybe gloves or some type of face covering discarded? If so, please share your information with police.

“In addition, with so few people out and about, it is all the more likely that dashcam footage or domestic security cameras may have captured images of the three or four suspects. Please do check any footage from the local area between around 8.30pm and 9.00pm.

“I would also appeal to anyone aware of associates whom they suspect of being involved in this attack; perhaps somebody local who acquired some cash on Saturday evening. If so, please give any names to police or, to remain anonymous, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers.

“It is despicable that these callous individuals attacked an elderly couple in their home while the vast majority of Londoners are either working hard to keep each other safe or simply isolating to protect themselves and others. We will follow any evidence and all lines of inquiry in order to put those responsible before the courts.”

●Anyone who saw something relevant that evening or has any other information that may assist police is asked to call police via 101 and quote reference CAD 6717/18apr. Alternatively you can contact Crimestoppers on 0800-555 111 and give information anonymously.

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