Five charged after Burnley 'terror robbery'
11:00am Monday 29th October 2012 in News
By Lisa Woodhouse, Assistant picture editor
ARREST Five people were stopped by police in Yeadon Way, Blackpool, after being suspected of a robbery in Burnley
FIVE people have appeared in court charged with tying up a man at knifepoint in his home and robbing him.
It is alleged that the gang broke into the house of the 41-year-old victim and subjected him to a violent attack.
Police said they forced their way in to his home, on a quiet residential street off Manchester Road in Burnley, before threatening him with knives from his kitchen.
His hands were allegedly tied with computer cables before his home was ran-sacked. Electrical items including computers, games consoles, laptop and DVDs were taken before the gang allegedly made off in his Audi A4.
Police said the victim suffered serious facial injuries and required hospital treatment after the incident.
The incident happened at around 7.45pm on Thursday.
Police traced the victim’s car to Blackpool and used a ‘stinger’ to stop it.
Inspector John Fryer said: “We received a call from the aggrieved at around 9.13pm on Thursday reporting that five people turned up and forced their way in, armed with a knife.
“They have threatened the occupant with a knife, tied him up and stolen his Audi A4 and other property.
“The vehicle was seen by an officer in Blackpool and a pursuit took place.
“Blackpool police deployed a stinger which deflated all four of the tyres, bringing the car to a standstill on Yeadon Way.”
The three men and one woman appeared before Blackburn Magistrates Court on Saturday morning.
David Steer, 26, of Whitworth; Zak Ward, 25, of Radcliffe; John Williams, 20, of Burnley; Rebecca Greenough, 18, of Burnley and Sally Brennard, 19, of Burnley, have all been charged with aggravated burglary and aggravated vehicle taking.
Steer was also charged with driving with excess alcohol and no insurance.
