MASKED raiders broke into a house near York and threatened the occupants before fleeing with jewellery, cash and their car.

The gang of three was wearing balaclavas and brandishing hammers and knives during the raid in Askham Richard, south west of York.

Three young children were in the house at the time and the gang got away with cash.

The hunt for the masked gang is tonight continuing, 48 hours on from the burglary. 

A North Yorkshire Police spokeswoman said: “The offenders searched their home before leaving with jewellery, an amount of cash and the keys to their white, Mercedes E-Class.

“The suspects then left the scene in the Mercedes which was later found abandoned in Hagg Lane, near the village of Colton.”

The break-in happened at about 7.50pm on Monday. The victims yesterday declined to talk about their ordeal but fellow villagers told of their shock.

York Press: The raiders struck in Askham Richard, south west of York

One, who declined to be named, said: “I can’t imagine what it would have been like to be in that house at the time. We have been burgled before and it’s horrible, but there’s people there for them and they will get through it.”

He said he had heard an alarm going off earlier in the day, but didn’t think anything of it, and said: “There have been burglaries before in this village, but they have all been isolated incidents and no more than you would get anywhere else.”

Another villager said: “When we heard about it we couldn’t believe it because everyone who knows the village knows it’s very quiet and for something like this to happen is terrible.”

A third resident said: “It makes you much more aware of your surroundings, when something like this happens, because it’s a very quiet village and you never think it will happen around here. I will certainly be locking my doors at night now.”

Detective Inspector Alan Rowan of York CID, said: “This was a very frightening experience for the householders who were left shaken and distressed.

“Thankfully, they did not suffer any physically injuries during their ordeal.

“It is vital that we catch whoever is responsible and I urge anyone who was in the village on Monday evening to contact us with any information about the movements of unfamiliar vehicles or people, which they may not have thought anything of at the time.

“It could be important information which could help our investigation.

“We believe that the burglary was planned and the property was targeted by the suspects and that this was not an opportunist crime.”

York Press: The raid is understood to have happened near the Rose and Crown pub, pictured

Can you help?

  • Police appeal to anyone who was in Askham Richard between 6.30pm and 8.30pm on Monday and who saw any suspicious people, vehicles or activity, including the white Mercedes E350 Sport leaving the village, to contact them.
  • They also appeal to anyone who was in the area of Askham Richard, Bilborough, the A64 and Colton, who saw a white Mercedes convertible or its occupants to contact them. 
  • Anyone with information should phone 101, select option 2, and as for York CID. Alternatively, email Yorkcid@northyorkshire.pnn.police.uk or phone Crimestoppers anonymoulsy on 0800 555 111.
  • Quote reference 1215004335 when passing on information.