Boy, 17, threatened with sword as gang hold family to ransom at Oldham home
Police are hunting a sword-wielding gang who held a 17-year-old boy and his family to ransom in their Oldham home last week.
The teenager, of Epping Close, was forced up against the hallway wall by one of the gang who put his hand over the victim’s mouth and threatened him with the sword.
Five men ran into the living room and confronted the other children while the boy and his mother were forced upstairs.
The gang demanded cash before they ransacked the house stealing money, jewellery and other valuables.
Detective Constable Andrew Day from Oldham CID said: “These men invaded the privacy of this family’s home, and anyone who has been a victim of this sort of robbery will know what they are going through at the moment.”
All six men escaped by the front door.
The incident occurred at 10.25pm on Thursday July 19.
Two of the men, one white and one Asian were described as skinny and about 35-years-old.
The taller of the two was white, between 5ft 6ins and 5ft 7ins and wore a high visibility jacket.
The shorter Asian man was about 5ft 5ins and wore a mask over his face.
A third offender was described as a black man, around 28-years-old, of heavier build and approximately 5ft 11in tall. He wore dark blue jeans, a black top with the hood up and grey gloves.
There are no descriptions of the other three offenders.
DC Day said: “The thieves stole a substantial amount of cash and jewellery which holds sentimental value for the family.”
DC Day advised anyone that is approached by someone offering jewellery in suspicious circumstances, to get in touch.
Pawn brokers and jewellers should also be alert as the offenders are likely to try and sell the items to make money.
He added: "I want to reassure residents we are doing all we can to identify the men responsible.
"I can assure the victims, and the law-abiding residents of Oldham, that we are taking this extremely seriously and are now following up several lines of inquiry."
Anyone with information should call Oldham CID on 0161 856 8951 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111
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