New appeal to locate masked crime gang

The men, said to be of Asian appearance, burst into the house in High Birstwith, near Harrogate, at 5.15pm last Friday and stole six shotguns, a rifle and a collection of expensive jewellery.

The men left the scene in the family’s white Porsche 911, which was later found abandoned. Since then police say officers have been making extensive enquiries at the family home and surrounding area and are following a number of lines of investigation.

North Yorkshire Police officers were yesterday out in the village handing out leaflets and talking to the local community in a bid to encourage witnesses to come forward with information.

They have also released images of some of the stolen jewellery and one of the shotguns.

The jewellery includes a 9.77 carat pear cut platinum claw set solitaire ring, a men’s 18 carat white gold Patek Philippe Grand Complication Chronograph watch, and a pair of 18 carat gold and 8.58 carat brilliant cut diamond claw set earrings.

Detective Inspector Andrea Kell, of North Yorkshire Police, who is leading the investigation, said: “It is one week now since this young family were left traumatised after being confronted in their own home by four masked men who stole a some very expensive and treasured possessions.

“It was a horrible experience for them to go through and we are determined to find out who was responsible. Since our earlier appeal for witnesses a number of people have contacted us with information and we have a number of lines of enquiry which we are actively following.

“However, we are still seeking further witnesses and I urge you to come forward if you have any information which can help the investigation.”

Anyone with information should call North Yorkshire Police on 101 and ask for Harrogate CID.