Shropshire Star

30 callers offer Wollerton knife raid gang clues

Detectives hunting a violent gang who terrorised two Shropshire families in their own homes received more than 30 calls from members of the public within an hour after a Crimewatch appeal.

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Detectives hunting a violent gang who terrorised two Shropshire families in their own homes received more than 30 calls from members of the public within an hour after a Crimewatch appeal.

BBC One viewers last night saw E-fit images of two of the three men who are suspected of involvement in the raids in Wollerton, near Market Drayton, on April 5.

Detectives said the gang had Merseyside accents and may have fled north on the A41 or A53 in a silver Volvo saloon, possibly with 03 or 04 plates.

By the end of the hour-long show it was revealed they had been inundated with calls providing possible names for some of the suspects and information about the Volvo.

Detective Chief Inspector Alan Edwards said police also believe the homes may have been watched the night before the raids.

He said there had been some 'really interesting calls' including some about similarities with offences in the north of England.

One of the victims, pregnant mother Victoria Ratheram, relived the moment three men burst in to her house demanding money. She said: "It was terrifying beyond belief. It's so scary you don't realise what's happening until afterwards."

She added: "Some nights when you close your eyes things come back – visions, images, mainly the knife."

The gang went on to attack Kathryn Burton and her teenage son William at a neighbouring house and fled with mobile phones and laptops from both properties.

All three men were white and about 5ft 10 inches tall. Two are thought to be about 40 and the third in his mid to late 20s. The younger man wore a black beanie-type hat. He appeared to have short, light brown hair. Information to detectives on 0300 333 3000.

See also:

  • Crimewatch plea on Wollerton raids

  • Wollerton machete terror victim – full interview

  • Wollerton mother: I won’t be driven out by thugs

  • Machete burglars in raids on Shropshire homes

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