Terrifying Balaclava Gang Raid Leaves Family Scarred for Life
In the early hours of December 20th, police responded to a chilling home invasion on Crasswell Street. A group of men wearing balaclavas and armed with serrated knives stormed a flat, forcing their way inside and brandishing a hot iron to intimidate the terrified occupants.
Family Held Hostage and Threatened
The gang tied up a man in his 50s, his two sons in their 20s, and a woman in her 20s using cable ties, packaging tape, and electrical cables. They demanded money and jewellery while threatening the family with violence.
One of the sons suffered a deep slash wound to his face during the ordeal — a permanent scar as a brutal reminder of the attack.
Robbers Flee with Watches, Phones and Trainers
After the gang fled with a haul of watches, mobile phones, and trainers, the family managed to free themselves and phone emergency services. Only a limited number of stolen items were ever recovered.
Police Snare Suspect Moments Later
Officers spotted Levar Greaves, 29, of Gibb Field Close, emerging from an adjacent street. Following a dramatic chase, authorities intercepted the van he was in.
Sentences handed down require the culprits to serve at least two-thirds of their term before release, while one offender, Tomlin, received a Community Order including rehabilitation, 100 hours of unpaid work, and a victim surcharge.
Victim Speaks Out: “I Thought I Might Die”
“I never thought this would happen to me. I hoped it was a dream, but it wasn’t,” said one victim.
“Any bang or noise sets me off thinking, ‘Is that someone coming in?’ I felt like it was life or death. Tied up in my underwear, I thought I might die.
“This has changed me mentally, and in some ways, that scar is worse than the one on my face.”
