Pensioners attacked in Swallownest by masked robbers with knives

PENSIONERS returning from an antiques fair were injured — including one being hit in the face — after five people wearing masks threatened them with knives and demanded cash, gold and jewellery.

The man and woman, both aged in their 70s, were unloading antiques from their vehicle on Mansfield Road, Swallownest, at around 4.30pm on Monday, December 27, after the antiques fair at Doncaster Racecourse.

A spokesperson for South Yorkshire Police said: “As they were doing so it is reported five people wearing masks entered the house and threatened them knives. They then demanded cash, gold and jewellery.

“One victim suffered injuries to her hands and the other was hit in the face and body before the suspects made off with a large amount of jewellery and cash. Some of this was later recovered in the Armthorpe area of Doncaster.

“It is thought the suspects travelled in a white hatchback vehicle.”

Police are appealing for witnesses to the incident and officers are particularly keen to speak to anyone who is offered gold sovereign coins for sale.

Officers also want to hear from anyone who witnessed suspicious activity at the antiques fair or who has dash cam footage of any vehicles being driven suspiciously on or around Stone Hill Drive, Swallownest, at or around 4.40pm on Monday, December 27.

Anyone with information should contact 101 quoting incident number 657 of December 27. Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers via Crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling on 0800 555 111.