Advertisement

Woman in her 80s gagged and sat on by five men in ‘violent’ burglary

The incident happened on Cordwainers Walk, in Newham, east London (Google)
The incident happened on Cordwainers Walk, in Newham, east London (Google)

A woman in her 80s was assaulted by five burglars after they conned their way into her home by claiming they had food for her.

Metropolitan Police are appealing for information and witnesses after an elderly woman was the victim of a violent burglary at her home address in Newham, east London, on Thursday.

The men sat on the victim’s chest, put a sock in her mouth and then removed her jewellery after forcing their way into the property in Cordwainers Walk.

The suspects spent up to 30 minutes in the home, with police being called at approximately 7pm following reports of aggravated burglary.

Read more: Fugitive caught after 13 years on the run

Police said in a statement: “The victim was at home when five unknown men knocked on the door and claimed they had food for her.

“Upon opening the door, the men pushed their way into the victim’s home before forcing a sock in her mouth and instructing her not to speak.

“The suspects then proceeded to sit on the victim’s chest, holding her down while they removed her jewellery by cutting it from her wrist.

“It is believed they were inside her address for approximately 20-30 minutes while they searched for valuable items.”

The five suspects are described as white males in their 20s, wearing black clothing.

One of the males was wearing a black Nike tracksuit trouser with red piping.

Read more: Video shows driver throwing cocaine bags from car window in high-speed police chase

Detectives from the Met’s North East Burglary and Robbery Unit are appealing for any witnesses or information in relation to the suspects to come forward and inform police.

There have been no arrests and enquiries continue.

Police added: “If you are local to the area and noticed anything suspicious at this time then please get in contact.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact police via 101 quoting reference CAD 006400/21JAN21 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.