Gun gang in Leeds child abduction threat

An armed gang of masked men threatened to kidnap a mother’s children in an “absolutely terrifying” robbery in Leeds.
The woman was confronted in her home on Thorpe Crescent, Middleton. Image: Google StreetviewThe woman was confronted in her home on Thorpe Crescent, Middleton. Image: Google Streetview
The woman was confronted in her home on Thorpe Crescent, Middleton. Image: Google Streetview

Five men brandishing a gun and knives forced their way into the property on Thorpe Crescent, Middleton, at about 8pm on Monday.

They demanded cash from the 32-year-old victim, who was at home with her three young children, and were led to a bedroom where they took a large amount of money.

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Jewellery, bank cards and a mobile phone were also stolen. The gang escaped in a grey Range Rover, registration RF58WYK, belonging to the woman’s husband. It was still missing last night.

Detective Inspector John Dexter, of Leeds CID, said: “This was an absolutely terrifying experience for the victim to be confronted in her home by a group of masked men armed with weapons. Her children were at home at the time and this will have been a really upsetting ordeal for this family.

“At one point the offenders even threatened to take one of her children if she didn’t comply with their demands for money. The people involved are clearly dangerous and we urgently need to identify them and arrest them at the earliest opportunity.

“I would like to hear from anyone who saw anyone acting suspiciously in Thorpe Crescent in the time leading up to the incident or around the time of the incident itself.

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“The husband’s grey Range Rover was taken and has not yet been recovered. We would like to hear from anyone who has seen that vehicle or who has any information on its current whereabouts.”

Anyone with information should call Leeds CID at Elland Road police station via 101 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.