Catterick man assaulted by burglars (From The Northern Echo)

Catterick man assaulted by burglars

11:31am Monday 8th February 2010 in

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THREE raiders broke into a house and beat up and restrained a man - before driving off in his blue Isuzu Rodeo pick-up truck.

The violent trio also stole personal belongings from the home in Catterick Village, North Yorkshire.

The pick-up was later found abandoned and bunt out 14 miles away near Caldwell, near Richmond.

Police fear the gang may strike again.

"This was a violent and apparently calculated attack on a defenceless man in his own home."

Detective Inspector Keith Ruff

details of the burglary - which happened last Thursday, February 4, at around 7pm - were released this morning.

A spokesman for North Yorkshire Police said the three raiders "forced entry into a house in Catterick, assaulted and restrained the occupant".

The victim managed to free himself and alerted the police shortly after the incident. He was taken to hospital for treatment before being discharged.

Detective Inspector Keith Ruff, of Northallerton CID, said: "This was a violent and apparently calculated attack on a defenceless man in his own home.

"It is fortunate he managed to free himself soon after the incident and raise the alarm or the consequences could have been much worse".

The investigation is continuing to trace the suspects and police say the possibility of the gang targeting further people and vehicles has not been ruled out.

DI Ruff added: "I am appealing to local residents and the public in general who may have seen any suspicious activity in and around the Catterick or Caldwell areas on Thursday evening to come forward as a matter of urgency.

"Or if anyone saw the blue Isuzu being driven between Catterick and Caldwell. Even the smallest piece of information could provide a crucial lead for the investigation team to follow."

"As well as the night in question, it is also important to report anything unusual or suspicious in the days and weeks leading up to the burglary".

"Thankfully this type of incident is very rare in North Yorkshire. However, it is vital that those who committed this crime are brought to justice as soon as possible."

If anyone has information that could assist the burglary investigation, please contact Hambleton & Richmondshire CID on 0845 60-60-247 quoting the reference number 12100018657.

Information can also be passed on anonymously via Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111.