Top doctor in ‘home invasion’ hell at hands of machete gang
Family feared for their lives as 4am raiders took cash and Range Rover
MASKED raiders with machetes held a terrified family captive while ransacking their home.
The gang, who struck at night, made off with cash, jewellery and a Range Rover.
Detectives are appealing for information after the violent ‘home invasion’ robbery at a detached property in Kittochside, near East Kilbride, Lanarkshire, in the early hours of yesterday.
Last night, close friends said the family – a married couple and their adult son, who The Mail on Sunday have chosen not to name – had been left in shock and were staying with relatives.
The husband – understood to be a hospital consultant – is said to have been left with a three-inch machete wound in his leg. Around 4am, the family awoke at the sound of smashing glass and went downstairs to find four men in balaclavas who threatened them with ‘extreme violence’ and demanded they hand over money and valuables. One of the men was armed with a machete and struck the 55year-old husband on the leg.
The injured man, his wife, 56, and their 26-year-old son were held in an upstairs bedroom ‘fearing for their lives’ while the gang raided the property, stealing cash, jewellery and car keys.
The gang made off 20 minutes later in a black Nissan Qashqai, driven by a fifth man who had remained behind the wheel. One raider also drove off in the family’s black Range Rover, which was damaged during the getaway.
The suspects sped off along Carmunnock bypass towards Croftfoot Road and Blairbeth Road, before abandoning the Range Rover in the Mount Vernon area of Glasgow.
One of the attackers is described as being in his early twenties, with a local accent. He wore a grey hoodie, with his face covered.
The rest of the men are described as having local accents and wearing dark clothing, with balaclavas covering their faces.
Police were called after the suspects left and the family were able to raise the alarm.
Last night, close friends were at the property, which had visibly broken windows.
One said: ‘We have sent them away to be with their family.
‘Threatened them with extreme violence’
They’re in shock and are really upset. I know there were five men, but I can’t say any more.’
A neighbour said: ‘I spoke with the homeowner this morning. He has a three-inch scar, but he is not badly hurt. They are very stressed and very traumatised, though.
‘It happened around 4am this morning. I awoke at that time, although I’m unsure if it was because of that. Then the police came here in the morning.’
Another neighbour said: ‘We moved here because we thought it would be safe.’
Detective Sergeant Alan MacDonald, of Cambuslang CID, said: ‘This group of despicable individuals completely terrorised this family and made threats of extreme violence, which made them genuinely fear for their lives throughout the ordeal.
‘They have been left absolutely traumatised and it is vital that we trace the criminals responsible for this abhorrent incident.
‘I would appeal to anyone who was in the area in the early hours and may have noticed a black Nissan Qashqai to please get in touch.
‘I would also ask anyone who saw the black Nissan Qashqai or black Range Rover driving along the route described following the incident to come forward.’
A MAN who tore down floral tributes to a dead burglar has been told by police he should consider going into hiding following threats to his life.
Musician Iain Gordon was furious that Richard OsbornBrooks, 78, had been arrested after burglar Henry Vincent died during a struggle in his South-East London home.
On Wednesday, Mr Gordon was filmed ripping down flowers and within 24 hours was told it was ‘all over the market’ that he was destined for a ‘one-way trip to the coast’. The next day he was warned by detectives that his life was at risk.
‘They said they had information that I was going to be killed,’ he said. ‘They said they had to read a statement to me. The statement said that they suggested I get security lights and CCTV cameras or consider moving to another address.’ Mr OsbornBrooks and his disabled wife Maureen, 78, have been forced out of their Hither Green home following the April 4 burglary.
On Thursday, Met Police Deputy Commissioner Sir Craig Mackey appeared on LBC Radio and was asked about the floral tributes. He said: ‘This is a tragedy for the family who have lost a loved one… We want those laying flowers to respect the local people and the impact on them. Those opposed to the flowers should act responsibly, respectfully and reasonably.’
Mr Gordon, who lives a couple of miles from Mr Osborn-Brooks and continues to protest outside his home, said: ‘I want the Deputy Commissioner sacked for what he said. It’s disgusting. The police haven’t got their focus on dealing with the criminals.’
Meanwhile, residents have warned of trouble if Vincent’s family lead a horse-drawn hearse past Mr Osborn-Brooks’s home as part of a rumoured £100,000 funeral. One woman said: ‘It’ll get nasty. I think there will be a riot.’