Flat terror attack detectives seek man for questioning

Police said they had conducted a “lengthy investigation” into the alleged aggravated burglary which happened on January 17 2011 at a flat in Jenkinson Grove, in the Armthorpe area of Doncaster.

Officers last night said they believed Benjamin Moffatt, who comes from Sheffield, may now be able to assist with their continuing enquiry.

They also released a photograph of the 26-year-old in the hope that someone would recognise him and report his whereabouts so he could be questioned.

Detective Constable Dan Lighton of South Yorkshire Police, who is leading the investigation, said the raid, which caused considerable concern in the former mining community at the time, happened at 4pm on the Monday.

He said that after smashing their way into the property, the three men threatened the 19-year-old man in the flat and demanded money.

It is thought that the victim was assaulted by the three men when he said he did not have any cash to give them, and suffered what were described at the time as “minor injuries” before the men fled.

DC Lighton said: “There have been numerous enquiries conducted as part of this lengthy investigation to try and identify the three men involved in this particularly violent incident.

“The victim has been left extremely shaken following this traumatic ordeal, and we are determined to find those responsible.”

Following the incident, the victim was taken to Doncaster Royal Infirmary for treatment and police were forced to issue reassurances after rumours circulated in the village that he had been tortured or stabbed.

Last night, police repeated their belief that the incident was a targeted attack but gave no further details over how the victim was assaulted or whether weapons were used.

They said they had carried out a “variety of forensic examinations and numerous enquiries” to identify the three men involved, and had been working with officers from both Greater Manchester and Cheshire Police.

A police spokesman said: “It is believed they have connections in these parts of the country as well as South Yorkshire.

“Police would like to speak to Benjamin as they believe he may have information and be able to assist with the investigation.”

Anyone who can provide information on the location of Benjamin is asked to contact the police on the 101 non-emergency number, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111, quoting incident number 758 of January 17, 2011.

Officers also appealed for any witnesses who saw the three men either before or after the incident to contact them with any information.