Family barricade themselves in during burglary

Would-be thieves smashed their way into a house in Middleton, confronting the homeowner and attacking him and forcing him to barricade himself and his family in the bedroom.

The aggravated burglary happened at the house on Aspinall Street at about 9.35pm on Thursday (9 February 2012).

Two men used a lump of concrete to smash the glass on the kitchen door and then broke in. One was wielding some sort of weapon and ran upstairs, only to be confronted by the homeowner, 30.

The man pushed the thief with the weapon out of the way and ran into the living room, where he was attacked by both offenders, including with the weapon. He managed to free himself and ran back upstairs, barricading himself and his family in the bedroom from where they called police.

The two would-be thieves left empty-handed.

The first man was described as being white, about 5ft 9in tall, of a stocky build and wearing a light-coloured top with the hood up and a dark coloured body warmer. He also had a black scarf or balaclava covering his mouth and nose. The second man was white, of a slim build and wearing dark clothing.

Detective Constable Claire Rawcliffe said: "The facts in this appalling crime speak for themselves. The homeowner and his family were clearly extremely frightened to the point they had to barricade themselves in the bedroom to escape further injury.

"The man had to go to hospital for treatment such was the severity of his injuries, so the people were are looking for are both dangerous and have access to weapons therefore it is vital the public help us find these men.

"I would appeal to anyone who has information to come forward."

Anyone with information should call Rochdale CID on 0161 856 8716 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.