Wealthy businessman injured in break-in

One of Britain's richest businessman suffered a head injury when he was attacked by intruders at his mansion, police said.

Former Phones4U chief John Caudwell and his partner, Claire Johnson, were both assaulted during the raid at Broughton Hall near Eccleshall, Staffordshire, on Monday night.

Staffordshire Police confirmed that Mr Caudwell, who sold the Caudwell Group for a reported 1.4bn in 2006, sustained a gash to his forehead and bruising to his arms.

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Officers believe the 57-year-old, who went to hospital for a check-up, was struck with an iron bar by the intruders, who were wearing dark clothing and balaclavas.

A police spokesman said: "At approximately 8.30pm on Monday, a number of men broke into Broughton Hall in Eccleshall. The occupants, a man and his partner, were in the kitchen when the men burst through the door."

After assaulting Mr Caudwell the men took a quantity of cash and jewellery and escaped from the historic hall by running across fields near the property.

Police said no firearms were seen or used during the break-in, in which a 22-year-old female member of staff was also assaulted.

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Ms Johnson, 41, and the staff member were uninjured and are not thought to have been hit with a weapon.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Staffordshire Police on 0300 123 4455, or the Crimestoppers service anonymously on 0800 555 111.

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