London thugs armed with knives go on terrifying rampage in Kent homes
Alfie Spain and Freddie Hanratty, two violent offenders, travelled all the way from London to Sheerness, Kent, armed with knives. Their targets? Complete strangers living in ordinary homes.
Knife-wielding intruders strike three Kent addresses
On 20 March 2021, the pair forced their way into a house on Alexandra Road. Wearing face masks, they threatened a man with knives but left empty-handed. Not done, they next broke into a Victoria Street home. Wearing black disposal gloves, they threatened another man, stole £200 cash and a moped using ignition keys found inside.
Local residents spotted Hanratty riding the stolen moped in Hartlip Close. He abandoned the bike before police arrived. Officers found a discarded black glove nearby, which later tested positive for Spain’s DNA.
Chilling threats and child terror at third home
Spain and Hanratty then barged into a house on Queensway, threatening a man and woman with two children present. Hanratty pulled a knife and pressed it against a man’s face, demanding cash. When the victim said there was none, the pair left empty-handed but warned they would kill the family if the police were alerted.
Police hunt ends with arrests and prison sentences
The Chief Constable’s Crime Squad launched an investigation, using CCTV and forensic evidence to identify the culprits. Hanratty was arrested on 21 April at his Deptford home, and Spain was caught at a separate address on 29 April. Both were charged with conspiracy to commit robbery and illegal knife possession.
At Maidstone Crown Court on 28 September, Spain, 26, was jailed for six years. Hanratty, just 20, was sentenced to four years in a young offenders’ institution.
PC Emma Laimbeer said: “Spain and Hanratty travelled from London with the sole purpose of committing violent robberies in Kent. These crimes were premeditated and their actions utterly despicable.
“Three households faced terrifying ordeals, and their trauma will last for a long time. I commend the victims for their courage in helping us bring these men to justice.”
