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Young women terrorised in home invasion by ‘African’ gang armed with machete, wooden stakes

Seven youths have been arrested after a spate of alleged early morning home invasions across four suburbs in Melbourne’s west.

Jade Gormley has told of being woken at 4am and confronted and threatened, in her Greensborough bedroom by five men.

She said she was then robbed by the thugs who were armed with a machete, pipes and wooden stakes torn from a neighbour’s picket fence.

Jade Gormley was sleeping in her Greensborough bedroom when she claims she was confronted by five men demanding cash and threatening her. Picture: 7 News
Jade Gormley was sleeping in her Greensborough bedroom when she claims she was confronted by five men demanding cash and threatening her. Picture: 7 News

Ms Gormley told 7 News she woke to “three extremely aggressive men” of African appearance, confronting her in her room while she was “half dressed” in her bed.

They allegedly smashed their way through the front door and threatened to kill the DJ and personal trainer unless she handed over money.

“I sat up in bed and he's kinda like going to attack me, threatening that's he's going to stab me, going to kill me if I don't give him money.”

The alleged intruders reportedly tore wood from a neighbouring fence to use as a weapon. Picture: 7 News
The alleged intruders reportedly tore wood from a neighbouring fence to use as a weapon. Picture: 7 News

They also allegedly demanded phones and keys. Eventually, the DJ and personal trainer handed over $650 cash she had hidden in her room to pay the rent.

Three of the thugs left the young woman and stormed through the house to confront her three housemates, she said.

First it was two young women who were woken by the screams and were cowering, horrified in their bedroom.

[[img:https://s.yimg.com/dh/ap/default/170331/art-gang4.jpg|caption=The gang allegedly stole cash, phones and five sets of keys from the Greensborough home, then drove off in three cars parked at the home. Picture: 7 News|size=O]

Ms Gormley’s housemate Hannah Beckenham said she was terrified to hear the screams from the other room and feared for her friend’s safety.

“I'm still shaking now from it,” she said.

"We got up and stood against the door to hold it in case they came down to our room straight away.”

Jade Gormley handed over $650 cash she had hidden in her room to pay the rent. Picture: 7 News
Jade Gormley handed over $650 cash she had hidden in her room to pay the rent. Picture: 7 News

But the gang allegedly confronted the pair, who feared their housemate was being hurt.

In another room, Beaudie Chapman was also woken by the intruders.

"I went to sit up and old mate pulled out a machete and just said give me money, give me money where's your money,” Mr Chapman said.

“I said I don't have any and he swung and smashed my TV with a machete.”

When Beaudie Chapman told the intruders he didn't have any cash on him, one men allegedly swung and smashed his TV with a machete. Picture: 7 News
When Beaudie Chapman told the intruders he didn't have any cash on him, one men allegedly swung and smashed his TV with a machete. Picture: 7 News

The gang allegedly stole cash, phones and five sets of keys from the Greensborough home, then drove off in three cars that were parked there, leaving this household very shaken with a big mess to clean up.

Police believe the same group was responsible for a crime spree across in St Albans, Caroline Springs and Truganina that morning.

Another home invasion victim, Joe Da Costa claims he was targeted in his home as he, his wife, and young children slept.

He told of thugs allegedly trying to kick in his front door, before smashing a window in attempt to gain entry

Police issued warrants on Friday and arrested seven people at a Kings Park address. Picture: 7 News
Police issued warrants on Friday and arrested seven people at a Kings Park address. Picture: 7 News

“[But he] couldn't get in because of the deadlock on my door,” he said.

Seven people were arrested at a Kings Park property, following the spate of burglaries between 1.20am and 4am Friday morning, police said.

Acting Inspector Cameron Reinke said one of the youths tried to run when he saw police, but was later found by a tracker dog.

They are currently assisting police with their inquiries and the investigation is ongoing.

Anyone with information is encouraged to call Crime Stoppers 1800 333 000 or use the Crime Stoppers online reporting page.