Masked Knifemen Hold Family Hostage in Terrifying Home Invasion
Police were called to a flat on Crasswell Street in the early hours of December 20th after reports of a brutal home invasion. A gang of balaclava-clad men armed with serrated knives forced their way inside and terrorised the occupants.
Family Tied Up and Threatened With Hot Iron
The victims – a man in his 50s, his two sons in their 20s, and a woman also in her 20s – were bound with cable ties, packaging tape, and electrical cables. The intruders threatened them with a red-hot iron while demanding money and jewellery.
One son suffered a deep slash wound to his face, leaving a permanent scar.
Robbers Escape With Watches, Phones and Trainers
When the gang fled, the victims managed to free themselves and call emergency services. The robbers stole an assortment of items including watches, mobile phones and trainers. Only a few of the stolen goods were ever recovered.
Three Sentenced to 11 Years for Home Invasion
Levar Greaves, 29, Adebowale Adeduro Mafo, 37, and a third accomplice were caught after police tracked their van. All three received 11-year prison sentences, with a minimum of two-thirds to be served before release.
Another man, Tomlin, was handed a Community Order requiring rehabilitation, 100 hours of unpaid work, and a victim surcharge.
Victims Speak Out About Trauma
“This is something I would normally hear on the radio or TV. I never thought it would happen to me. I hoped it was a dream, but it’s reality.”
“Any bang or noise sets me off thinking, ‘Is someone coming in?’ I felt like it was life or death. I was so vulnerable, tied up in my underwear. I thought I might die.”
“Mentally it’s changed me, which in some ways is worse than my scar.”
