Masked men raid home as family watches television (From Times Series)

Masked men raid home in Hendon as family watches television

1:31pm Thursday 24th January 2013 in News By Chris Hewett

Masked men forced their way into a family home and demanded jewellery during a terrifying evening raid yesterday.

Four men wearing balaclavas broke into the house in Hendon as an elderly couple and a middle aged man watched television shortly after 7pm.

After attempting to prise open the front door with a crow bar, the gang went to the back of the house and jimmied open a back door.

Police say the occupants initially held off the raiders as they attempted to lever open the front door before they heard banging at the back of the house.

Once the men were inside, they threatened the trio and demanded they hand over jewellery.

The episode lasted little more than ten minutes, in which time the group got away with gold jewellery worth an estimated £5,000.

Police arrived soon after the incident and have been carrying out door-to-door enquiries.

There is no description of the men, but police say they spoke very little English.

Officers are not releasing further details of the address for safety reasons but a police spokesman said the house was near the A41.

He added: “The family was not injured but obviously it was a very frightening experience. Fortunately these crimes are very rare.”