Family terrified after being 'targeted by gang' for speaking to police about cash machine robbery

A terrified father has told ITV Central an armed gang broke into his family's home and attacked them because they gave the police information about a crime.

The man - who doesn't want to reveal his name to protect his identity - said the attack has left one of them in hospital with stab and gun wounds.

The family, who are from Leicester, were woken by a loud banging noise in the early hours of Sunday morning as their front door was being smashed in.

Moments later, they were confronted by a gang of men armed with baseball bats, a knife and what is believed to be a BB airgun.

'It took them just a minute to break in and nearly kill us,' the victim (who has been revoiced) said

Recounting the attack, he told ITV Central: "I got up from the living room and someone with a bat tried to hit me.

"My brother and brother-in-law woke up and pushed them downstairs.

He adds: "The people had a gun and started shooting.

"My brother-in-law was shot a few times, they stabbed him three times and hit him with a bat in the chest and hit him again as he fell - the blade is still in his body."

"They also hit my wife... It took them just a minute to break in and nearly kill us."

The family believe they were targeted because they gave the police information about a crime at a ATM cash machine nearby.

Just over two weeks ago, thieves used a van to crash into a cash machine at a petrol station near the family's home on Glenfield Road. They escaped with an unknown amount of money.

Two days later, a young woman - a complete stranger - came to the victim's house and asked if his CCTV cameras were working.

He said she came to the house twice, asking "how clear" the CCTV images were.

He said he ignored her and she left but from the CCTV footage, he believes the people who came to the house were dressed the same as those involved in the ATM robbery.

The victim's brother in-law remains in a serious but stable condition at Leicester Royal Infirmary. He's had surgery for stab wounds and for injuries caused by a pellet gun.

The experience has left the family feeling vulnerable and worried for their safety.

The family has now been given a panic alarm by police but the victim said the family still want more protection and are looking to move house.

Leicestershire Police said they are "keeping an open mind about whether the attack on the family is linked to any other incident."

Regarding the family's welfare, the force told ITV News Central: "The safeguarding of victims remains a priority for officers during any investigation.

"Officers are remaining in contact with the victims of this incident throughout the investigation to keep them updated and to address any safeguarding concerns.

"A number of safeguarding measures have been put in place...and the safeguarding of the victims will continue to be reviewed."

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