family in gun raid terror
GANG HOLD MUM, DAD AND CHILDREN CAPTIVE IN THEIR MERC AS THEY RANSACK HOME
MASKED thugs who held a terrified family at gunpoint on their own driveway are being hunted by police.
A gang of six men wearing balaclavas pounced on a couple and their young children as they pulled up outside their home in Chorlton late on Wednesday night.
They surrounded the white Mercedes A Class and demanded the driver hand over their keys.
One of the men lifted up his jacket to reveal a handgun tucked in his waistband as the gang threatened the family.
They then locked the 37-year-old man, his 28-year-old partner and their baby and toddler in the car while they ransacked their house on Woodpecker Road.
The gang stole a number of items, including high-value jewellery.
When the men re-emerged, they dragged the family out of the car and attempted to steal it, but were unable to get it started because of its keyless ignition system.
The men then got into a black Renault Megane and drove away.
The couple and their children were unhurt, but left badly shaken.
A man was arrested yesterday following a police pursuit through south Manchester, which ended in a crash.
Officers in an unmarked car spotted a black Renault Megane, believed to be the same one used in the raid, in Moss Side and followed it to Plymouth Grove in Longsight.
The police car then crashed into the side of the Megane on Sparrow Street.
A 19-year-old was later arrested on suspicion of robbery. He was being questioned by detectives last night.
Another man seen inside the car fled the scene. The police helicopter was scrambled but the man could not be traced.
Police chiefs say the family were targeted because of their expensive car.
The incident came just three weeks after 35-year-old former Royal Navy officer Michael Samwell was knocked down and killed outside his home just over a mile away.
It is believed he was chasing thieves who were trying to steal his Audi S3.
There is no suggestion at this stage that police are linking the incidents.
Detectives have urged anyone who witnessed the incident, or who may have CCTV or dashcam footage, to come forward.
Det Insp Tony Lea said: “This was a terrifying robbery targeting a young family, purely because they have a nice car. We could have had a tragedy on our hands. We have made an arrest, however our investigation is still in its early stages.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 0161 856 4573 – or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.