Horror at knifepoint

Dec 19 2008 by Allison Dickinson, Chester Chronicle

AN ELDERLY couple have been left shaken after a burglar smashed his way into their home and threatened them at knifepoint.

The couple, both in their late 80s, were subjected to a terrifying ordeal during which the woman, who suffers from Alzheimer’s disease, was also threatened with a sexual assault.

So great is their fear of a repeat attack, they have asked to remain anonymous.

The nightmare began shortly before 7pm on Sunday when the attacker kicked in the front door of their terraced house in Hoole.

He is described as white, in his early 20s, 5’ 10”, slim build with dark brown or black hair. He was wearing a blue denim jacket and jeans. His white trainers, which had black detailing down the sides, were clean, as if they were new.

He burst into their front room carrying a kitchen knife and demanded cash. He stood behind their armchairs, holding the blade just inches from their heads.

The woman is so frail she can only walk with the aid of a frame. She has to have round-the-clock care and has respite care several times a year.

Her husband, a Second World War veteran, said: “When he kicked through the door, I thought the front of the house was coming in. He ran in swearing and shouting “give us your money”. I gave him £15 and told him that was all we had but he said he wanted more. He held the knife to my wife’s head and told me he was going to rip her guts out and then mine.”

The attacker grabbed the woman’s handbag and took £280 from it before demanding her husband’s debit card.

“I told him he will go to prison but he just laughed and said the police couldn’t catch him,” the victim added.

When he was told there was no more money, the attacker became frustrated, pulled the phone off the wall and jumped up to a glass-fronted cabinet, sending it crashing to the floor and destroying its contents.

The cabinet contained treasured items collected by the couple during their 61-year marriage.

The husband blamed drugs for the attack, adding: “Drugs are a big problem around here, they are always in the alleys. I think he was doing it for drugs money and I think he will do it again.”

A 32-year-old local man has been arrested in connection with the attack and is helping police with their enquiries. Investigating officer DS Mike Beamish, of Cheshire Police, said: “As a result of extensive enquiries we have identified a possible suspect.”

Anyone with information should call DS Beamish on 01244 613140. Alternatively, information can be left anonymously with Crime- Stoppers on 0800 555 111.