They are believed to have struck one of their victims with a firearm

Van used had a 'Firestone Tires' logo on the side

A group of men who attacked three people while dressed as builders during a robbery in Southall are being sought by Flying Squad detectives.

An image has been released of a van that was used as part of an appeal for witnesses and information to the attack which took place on Tuesday 13 June.

The victims, two men aged 19 and 43 and a 69-year-old woman, were at their home in Alleyn Park, Southall when a white Ford Transit van pulled up at around 12.10pm.

Six men wearing hi-visibility vests and hard hats got out of the back of the vehicle and entered the house after one of the suspects struck the older male victim over the head with what is believed to have been a firearm.
The victims were bound with tape around their wrists and the suspects searched the property, ransacking rooms. They demanded money and stole all the family jewellery, worth around £14,000, and a handbag before leaving the scene, making off south towards Green Walk.

The older male victim suffered a cut to the head and was treated at the scene.

The van being sought had a ladder on the roof and a logo on the passenger side door which read 'Firestone Tires'.

Of the six suspects, five are described as being white Eastern European men and one was black. All the men were of muscular build.

Detective Constable Thomas Grimshaw, leading the investigation, said: "This was a terrifying incident in which a family had their home invaded and were then threatened and tied up. They have been left traumatised and deprived of valuable jewellery with huge sentimental value. It is imperative that we identify the suspects as soon as possible.

"We have released a picture of the van we believe was used to transport the suspects to the scene. It carries a distinctive 'Firestone Tires' logo and we would ask anyone who has seen this van in their neighbourhood to call police as soon as possible."

Anyone with information about this incident should call the Met’s Flying Squad based at Putney on 0208 785 8655 or tweet @MetCC.

Alternatively, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

July 4, 2017