Trophies and cash taken from champion

A gang of balaclava-clad robbers smashed their way into the home of a world champion clay-shooter and took thousands of pounds in cash as well as some of his shotguns and trophies.

George Digweed, who has strong links to Wittersham, was in his lounge with wife Kate when the men broke through the french window at the back of his home using a hammer in Northiam near Rye in Sussex on Sunday night.

He was injured when one of the four men hit him on the head while the others helped themselves to thousands of pounds from the safe.

The robbers then ordered his wife to hand over the keys to a Toyota Hilux outside during the violent attack.

Mr Digweed runs the com- mercial shoot at Owley Farm and the George Digweed Sporting Agency in Wittersham and has had a glittering career in the sport.

In August he clinched his 26th world title, which adds to 18 European championships and hundreds of other competition victories in the sport.

The robbers are believed to have snatched a number of his trophies of his successes, as well as two shotguns for which he owned a licence.

They then sped off from the driveway in the black Toyota.

Sussex Police has launched an appeal for witnesses to the incident which took place at 8pm at the property in Ewhurst Lane in Northiam on Sunday night.

Det Insp Rob Morland said: “This violent but isolated incident has understandably been a distressing ordeal for the victims.

“I would urge anyone who was in the area and saw something suspicious to get in touch.”

Witnesses can email 101@ sussex.pnn.police.uk or call 101 and quote Operation Deansway.

Witnesses can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or visit www. crimestoppers.org for more information.

George Digweed was robbed in his home