Knife-wielding burglars attack women during break-in (From Croydon Guardian)

Croydon police hunt for knife-wielding burglars who attacked women during Ockley Road break-in

12:00pm Friday 15th March 2013 in News By Chris Baynes, Reporter

Police are hunting three burglars who broke into a home brandishing a knife and hammer and assualted two women.

The intruders stole the three occupants' mobile phones as well as cash and jewellery when they broke into the house in Ockley Road, Croydon, on February 24 at around 9.40pm.

They slashed one victim, an 18-year-old woman, in the chest and punched a second, a 43-year-old woman.

The third victim was a 20-year-old man.

Two of the burglars were described as light-skinned black men in their late teens or early twenties, both around 5ft 4in tall.

The third was thought to be a darker skinned black man of a similar age and around 6ft 2in tall.

After leaving the house they are thought to escaped in a small dark-coloured car  in the direction of Westcombe Avenue.

DC Billy Clough, from Croydon police, said: "This was a violent aggravated burglary and the suspects have assaulted two of the victims inside their own home.

"We would like to hear from anyone who may have seen the incident or who might have information to help us with our investigation.

"We're particularly keen to identify an Asian man who was outside the address around the time of the incident - we think he may have witnessed what happened and may have information that could help us in our enquiries.

"We would also like to hear from anyone who may have seen any suspicious people or vehicles in the area earlier in the day - contact us direct, or through Crimestoppers, which is completely anonymous.”

Anyone with information should contact Croydon police on 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.