John Caudwell tells Crimewatch of violent burglary

The victims of an aggravated burglary near Market Drayton have spoken of their ordeal on television.

A raid on the home of John Caudwell, the billionaire founder of Phones 4U, was reconstructed on BBC1's Crimewatch.

The incident happened at Broughton Hall in Eccleshall on November 1 and last night's appeal for information generated a number of responses from the public.

Mr Caudwell and his partner Claire were in the kitchen when masked raiders burst through the door last year.

Mr Caudwell was struck over his head and across his arms with a metal bar which caused him to sustain a gash to his forehead and bruising.

The reconstruction showed burglars taking a substantial amount of jewellery and cash before making off across fields.

Speaking on last night's programme, Claire said: "I was pretty frantic, hysterical and was thinking how long was this going to last for.

She added: "Nothing will be the same again. I don't feel safe alone in the house."

John added: "There was a huge relief of survival. Once I knew Claire was ok it gave way to frustration and anger. Serious surveillance had been taking place of our lives. It was a dreadful thought.

"They are almost certainly going to do it again and who knows what will happen. Next time someone might be killed."

Detective Chief Inspector Tim Martin, who is leading the investigation, said: "The phones have been very busy and we have also had a number of texts and e-mails."

A 47-year-old man from Liverpool arrested on suspicion of aggravated burglary remains on police bail pending further inquiries.

Police said today more than 40 calls were received in the studio as well as a number of e-mails and texts.