Images released of men who attacked family in Birstall robbery

A 47-year-old woman was grabbed by the throat by blundering thieves who forced their way into a house in Millers Croft, Birstall, on April 18.

It is thought the gang of five men were after drugs from a different house.

The woman’s 48-year-old husband and 31-year-old son-in-law were also injured by the intruders.

The woman answered a knock at the door at around 9.30am, and saw a man who claimed to be delivering a pizza.

As she said the family hadn’t ordered any food two other men appeared at the door and forced their way inside. A further two men then entered the house and the gang searched through the house and asked the occupants for drugs.

When they realised they were in the wrong house the men left, taking jewellery and cash with them.

The three victims received minor injuries.

A 29 year old woman and four children aged between four and 13 who were also in the house at the time were not harmed.

Officers at Dewsbury CID have created e-fit images of the man who posed as a delivery man, and of one of the men who forced his way into the house.

The delivery man was described as Asian, in his early 30s, around 5ft 5ins tall and of slim build.

The other man was black, around 6ft tall and in his early 20s. He was slim, and wore a grey hooded top.

The three other suspects were also described as being black, in their early 20s, of medium build and over 6ft tall.

Witnesses, or anyone with information, are asked to contact Det Con Adrian Lever via 101 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.