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Armed gang break into family's home and throw 'acid' in grandad's face

This is the shocking moment a gang of armed thugs broke into a family home and squirted what was believed to be acid in a grandfather's face.

Four man, armed with hammers and a crowbar, smashed their way into the property in Chislehurst, south east London, threatening its occupants and ransacking their home.

During the terrifying ordeal, an 11-year-old boy was dragged through the house to the lounge where the gang threatened violence if the family did not hand over their valuables.

The four men, all believed to be in their mid-20s, squirted an 81-year-old man in the face with a liquid - believed at the time to be corrosive substance - before a teenage girl was taken upstairs and
forced to hand over her jewellery.

CCTV footage captured the gang preparing to force entry to the family’s home. Source: Metropolitan Police
CCTV footage captured the gang preparing to force entry to the family’s home. Source: Metropolitan Police

During the incident, which began at 6pm on March 5, one of the thugs kept the family in the lounge and threatened to take their mobile phones as the other three ransacked the home, stuffing jewellery into the girl's black schoolbag.

But in the chaos one of the victims was able to call a family friend who alerted police to the burglary.

The robbery began with two of the man walking to the front of the gated home as two others walked behind a neighbouring set of bushes.

When no one answered the front door, all four walked through a side gate before smashing a rear patio door and rushing inside.

The gang are described as four stocky white men with Irish accents, wearing matching Converse All Star trainers, baseball caps and jackets.

A CCTV still from a burglary in nearby Keston in which a gang of four men stole a safe containing jewellery and watches. Source: Metropolitan Police
A CCTV still from a burglary in nearby Keston in which a gang of four men stole a safe containing jewellery and watches. Source: Metropolitan Police

Detective Constable Ben Briselden, from Bromley Burglary Squad, believes the robbers are responsible for several burglaries in the area.

"This was a terrifying burglary where a family were at home enjoying their evening and were threatened, and attacked, by four men who then stole their most valued possessions, which were of great sentimental value.

"We would urge anyone with information about this burglary to get in touch as soon as possible."