Images released of knifemen who terrified family

Glazing firm boss Adrian Welch, 44, was forced to open a safe and hand over a large sum of money during the attack at his house in Sprotbrough, Doncaster, at 5.45pm on September 7.

His wife Vicki and their two youngest children, Harry, 11, and six-year-old Ruby, were also threatened by two masked men who stormed into the detached property in Spring Lane brandishing knives.

The two men, both wearing masks, were seen to get out of a black Audi A5 which had pulled into a lane behind the house before entering the back garden where the children were playing.

They then forced Mr Welch into the house, took the cash and what police described as “other items of value”, before running off when a neighbour shouted that police had been called.

The couple’s eldest child Lucy, 14, was in her bedroom and had also called police.

Mr Welch described what had happened as “the biggest shock ever”. He added: “One of them put a knife to my throat and the other was threatening Vicki and the kids, telling them: ‘Lay down, lay down’, and swearing at them.”

“After I gave him the money he demanded jewellery and smashed me under the chin with his fist.”

Police said the reward was donated by the Doncaster business community and Det Insp Rich Partridge, who is leading the investigation described the robbery as “particularly nasty and violent.”

He added: “It has had devastating effects on the family and has left them feeling incredibly vulnerable. The threats in the presence of young children and the possession of weapons is a cause for great concern.”

Eight men have been arrested and bailed over the incident and police said anyone with information about the raid should contact them by calling 101.