Businessman offers reward to catch armed gang

The robbery in which a businessman and his fiancé were submitted to a terrifying ordeal took place on the Shropshire/Staffordshire border near Bridgnorth at Lower Rudge, Pattingham at around 10pm on Friday 9 March.

Richard Barnfather and Debbie Leadbetter were submitted to a 20-minute ordeal during the robbery in which three high value vehicles and more than £50,000 pounds worth of jewellery were stolen.

During the robbery carried out by three men the couple was beaten up, pistol whipped and bound at their hands and feet.

The vehicles a silver Aston Martin, a black Range Rover Vogue and a silver Mercedes SLK convertible, were all found abandoned in the Black Country.

Jewellery stolen included a diamond solitaire ring, diamond bracelet, Breitling watch, Cartier silver watch, heart shaped necklace, long platinum earrings with cluster diamonds and a purse containing cash and cards and two Blackberry phones.

Mr Barnfather told the press conference at Bridgnorth police station: "It was a terrifying ordeal. We feared for our lives. They demanded jewellery and the keys to the vehicles which we handed over.

"We both had our hands bound and my legs were also tied. We were struck several times and left battered and bruised. Deb and I attended hospital for a check up but were not detained."

Mr Barnfather said he was speaking about their ordeal to assist the police investigation in the hope more people will come forward with information.

He has also offered a £10,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the offenders. A further £4,000 is being put forward by his insurers.

"With £14,000 on offer, we hope people come forward with information which will result in the arrest of those responsible."

Detective Inspector Mark Bellamy said the couple had been subjected to a frightening ordeal by three men resorting to violence.

"This was everyone's worst nightmare - being attacked in their own home late at night by masked intruders, one of whom had distinctive gold teeth and was brandishing a gun.

"The police are treating it as a major crime incident and are appealing for any information which might assist the investigation. There is a substantial reward on offer and I am hoping this will encourage people to come forward.

"They can call Shrewsbury CID in confidence on 0300 333 3000, or alternatively, contact the anonymous Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111."

DI Bellamy said he was grateful for information already supplied to the police by members of the public but stressed the importance of any further details being passed on without delay.

Offenders
The first offender is described as being between 5ft 10-6ft tall of medium/athletic build described as of Asian Pakistani appearance. He had dark eyes, a dark complexion and a thin face with fine features and a small nose. The man had facial hair with a prominent thin moustache. He had cheap gold teeth which are dull in colouring, one of which may be broken or twisted in nature. The teeth that are gold are two either side of the front teeth and then the left tooth next to the canine. He also had a row of gold teeth in the lower jaw. He was holding a gun and may have been wearing a black shiny tracksuit top with hood and black trousers.

The second male is a black man, possibly Jamaican, 5ft 10-11 tall of broad strong build. He had hazel coloured eyes and was wearing a dark tracksuit with hooded top and balaclava or scarf.

The third male was described by the victims as a light skinned black man, 5ft 6 tall, aged approximately 23 years old, of slim build. He has freckles and was wearing an Adidas tracksuit which had red stripes. He carried a satchel type bag.

Anyone with information is asked to call police at Shrewsbury CID on 101 or independent charity Crimestoppers 0800 555111.