Masked Gangs Spray Corrosive Liquid in Shocking Home Raids Across London
Terrifying spate of break-ins has rocked Harrow and Ealing, with masked men forcing their way into homes and spraying residents with a nasty corrosive substance before making a quick getaway.
Dark-Clad Thugs Target Homes, Threaten Victims
The attackers all wore dark clothing, balaclavas, and gloves. They moved fast and fled the scenes in dark vehicles, police say.
Incidents began late Wednesday, March 29th, at a Highfield Avenue address, NW11, where four men broke in. They threatened a woman in her forties with a knife and hurled an unknown corrosive substance at her. It’s unclear if anything was stolen.
Just half an hour later, another gang hit Flamsted Avenue in Harrow. Four men forced entry and snatched a large haul of jewellery. Thankfully, no one was hurt.
Violent Incidents Continue Over Following Days
On March 30th, at 22:56, police were called to Lady Margaret Road, Southall. Four men, armed with a knife and screwdriver, broke in and sprayed corrosive liquid into the face of a man in his 70s before stealing a safe stuffed with cash and jewellery. The victim was hospitalised but has non-life-threatening injuries.
The terror didn’t stop there. At 20:45 on March 31st, a similar gang stormed a house on Harrowdene Road, threatening the occupant with a corrosive liquid and stealing jewellery. No injuries were reported.
Later that night, at 21:09, police rushed to Greenford Road, UB6, after reports that a group forced entry into a home and sprayed three female occupants—one woman in her 60s and two in their 20s—with a corrosive substance. They were taken to hospital with minor injuries.
Police Urge Vigilance as Hunt Continues
“Local people have been rightly concerned following a number of incidents that have been reported online and on social media,” said Detective Sergeant Huss Ahmed of the North West Command Unit. “Of course, we share your concern. We can confirm that five incidents in Harrow and Ealing are linked.”
“We advise residents to be vigilant but not alarmed — keep an eye on your surroundings at night, lock doors and windows, and check doorbell or security cameras for anything suspicious.”
“If you have information, videos or images that could help, please get in touch immediately so we can catch those responsible.”
So far, no arrests have been made in connection with these violent break-ins.
Anyone with information can call 101 or tweet @MetCC with reference CAD8586/30Mar. To report anonymously, ring Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
