Violent gang strike twice in an hour (From Wiltshire Times)

Violent gang strike twice in an hour

7:04pm Saturday 29th December 2007 in Melksham By Wiltshire Times Reporter

THREE men are wanted by police in connection with two house raids in an hour this afternoon.

The gang struck first at about 1.50pm when they threatened the owners of a property in Lower Stanton St Quinton, near Chippenham and stole various items.

They initially said they were working on the road and had punctured a water pipe but soon became aggressive to the occupants and searched the house.

They are described as aged between 18-24 years old. One was short with dark hair, one had an Irish accent and another was thick-set. They all wore duffle coats and left the scene in a silver vehicle.

Fifty minutes later, three men barged their way into a home in Trent Crescent, Melksham, knocking the occupant to the floor.

They searched every room and escaped in a silver car with cash.

Again, one of the men was aged in his 20s and spoke with an Irish accent.

Police are appealing for witnesses to either incident to call Ds Matt Jones at Chippenham Police Station on 0845 4087000.