Group threaten family with screwdriver before stealing 'quantity of cash' in Blackburn

A group of four people wearing balaclavas broke into an address in the Whinny Heights area at around 9pm on Sunday (January 10).

One of the offenders threatened the occupants of the home with a screwdriver before demanding cash.

Police said nobody was injured during the incident but the group got away with a quantity of cash - the takings from the victims' takeaway business – as well as a mobile phone.

No arrests have been made but officers said they believe this was a targeted attack.

They are now asking anybody with information about the incident to get in touch with them.

Det Sgt Helen Mercer, of Blackburn CID, said: "This is a shocking attack which has left a family extremely shaken and scared. Nobody should be made to feel unsafe in their own home and nobody should be threatened with a weapon and have their hard-earned money or possessions stolen from them.

"We are determined to find those responsible.

"We are now appealing for any information at all to help us find the offenders. Perhaps you were in the area at the time and saw something suspicious, maybe you have CCTV or dashcam which shows people you believe could be the offenders, or perhaps you think you know who is responsible.

"Whatever information you have, we would ask that you get in touch with us straight away."

The group are described as three men and one woman, or possibly four men, who were wearing dark clothing and balaclavas.

They are believed to be aged in their 20s and were speaking English and another language which the victims didn't recognise, police said.

Anybody with information about this incident can contact police on 101, quoting log number 1210 of January 10.

Alternatively, independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at crimestoppers-uk.org.

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