Robbery family living in fear of more horror

Former Thamesmead pupil Amy, 16, and Tracey were tied up with extension lead by three robbers who raided a safe and stole jewellery as Jake, four, looked on. Skip firm boss Paul was out at the time and police say he had a lucky escape because they believe the robbers were planning to attack him with industrial strength drain cleaner, which was found at the scene.

Since the robbery, the family Range Rover has been attacked with acid and Paul told the Herald: "You're just sitting and waiting for something else to happen. It's horrible. I strongly believe someone who knows us has given information to these people because they knew where the safe was.

"They're obviously close to us and it's the betrayal that makes you sick."

He insists he has no enemies and doesn't believe there is a vendetta against the family, rather someone who is trying to make a fast buck.

He believes the acid attack on the car was a tactic by the robbers to make it look like he has foes so as to put police off their scent.

The affects of the ordeal continue to harrow the family, with Paul saying: "Amy is getting better slowly but she won't stay in on her own and I won't go out at night."

DC Phil Carter told the Herald there are new leads in the investigation, saying: "I would like to speak to anyone who saw a red Nissan Micra, with a mid 1990s registration, which was seen driving around the area immediately before the robbery.

"There were three men in the vehicle and at one point it is believed to have been parked in Annett Close, Shepperton. I would urge anyone who recalls the vehicle to contact us."

Only one of the robbers covered his face and Tracey is convinced he is known to the family.

The first of the other two is described as being in his 30s, skinny, about 6ft 1ins, with very short blond hair, a flat stomach and wearing a grey hooded top, dark tracksuit bottoms, white Calvin Klein boxer shorts and white socks over his hands.

The other is described as in his mid-late 40s, of stocky build, about 6ft, clean shaven, and with short 'salt and pepper' hair.

Witnesses said they sped off on the Halliford Road in a dirty, silver, N-reg BMW.
Anyone with information should call 0845 125 2222.