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Attacked in our own home
Christine Fordham and partner Joseph Burke were attacked in their own Hemel Hempstead home by thieves.
BRUISED and battered – this is how masked thieves left a couple after raiding their home and threatening to shoot them.
Brave Christine Fordham and Joseph Burke have allowed these shocking images to be released in a bid to catch two thugs who forced their way into their Grovehill home in Hemel Hempstead.
The couple, both 64, were enjoying a night watching TV at their house in Dunlin Road on Friday, December 16 when there was a knock at the door at around 9.30pm.
Joseph said: “Before I knew it two strange men had pushed their way into my home and began attacking us. One of the men hit me in my eye straight away so I couldn’t see anything.
“I then became aware that the other man was attacking Christine. They were punching and kicking both of us, demanding we hand over any money we had.”
Once Christine had handed over some cash and Joseph’s mobile phone, the thieves, who were wearing masks over their faces – possibly balaclavas – then made off on foot.
As well as bruising to her face, Christine had to have 10 stitches to a wound on the back of her head, while Joseph sustained a broken cheekbone and bruising to his head and chest.
Police believe this was a targeted attack and have stressed that incidents of this nature are rare.
Investigating officer Det Con Geoff Smith said: “Although Christine and Joseph’s wounds are starting to heal, they will forever be left with the memory of what happened on that night. Please help us to find the people responsible and get in touch with us if you know anything at all.”
Contact Mr Smith on the police non emergency number giving the crime reference number D1/11/8580 or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
>For the full story pick up a copy of this week’s Gazette, on sale now.
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Weather for Hemel Hempstead
Saturday 26 May 2012
Today
Sunny
Temperature: 11 C to 23 C
Wind Speed: 18 mph
Wind direction: East
Tomorrow
Sunny
Temperature: 11 C to 24 C
Wind Speed: 15 mph
Wind direction: East
Comments
There are 4 comments to this article
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paulscotchbrook
Tuesday, January 10, 2012 at 12:03 PMThe low life scum who done this must be the lowest scum off scums just the same as peodofiles. Thay will we found allways do.makes me sick.. Do hope the poor cupple get over this sickening attack
frank k thornton
Sunday, January 8, 2012 at 03:00 PMthis is it no law no help. prisions like holiday hotels. plus us oldens brought these s---ts up. hang the lot of them. happy new year to the DOOOOOgooders!!!!!!
Mrs burgerking
Sunday, January 8, 2012 at 01:02 PMThese cowardly thugs must be caught , this couple were lucky to escape with their lives there bruises and wounds will heal but mentally they must be scarred...someone somewhere must know who these thugs were. If they are caught they better not just get a softly sentence for this brutal attack....warning to others do not open your doors to anyone at night unless you know in advance that someone you know is coming round.
Mumi_D
Sunday, January 8, 2012 at 12:05 PMSick sick people, i hope they catch them and lock them away for good! what low lifes can do this to a couple of 64! what goes arounf comes around karma is a B****!!
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