Heavily pregnant woman threatened at gunpoint

A heavily pregnant woman had a gun pressed to her head after masked intruders broke into her home in the Turf Hill area of Rochdale, between 5.15am and 5.30am on Wednesday 24 June 2015.

The woman’s nine-year-old daughter was also threatened by a member of the gang who was wielding a knife.

Up to three intruders, all of whom were wearing balaclavas, bust into the through the living room window. The offender carrying the gun, said to be a small silver metal handgun, went into the 28-year-old woman's bedroom and pressed the gun to her head before demanding cash.

The woman is heavily pregnant.

Another member of the gang who was carrying the knife went into the nine-year-old girl's bedroom and told her to be quiet.

The gang then stole cash in £20 denominations, two Asian gold bangles, a set of gold hooped earrings and one gold ring, as well as the woman's white Samsung Galaxy Note.

It is believed the offenders then fled outside where they were met by three other members of the gang.

The man carrying the gun was described as being Asian, 5ft 10in tall, of a slim build, aged between 20 and 30-years-old, with brown eyes and spoke with a local accent. The man with the knife was said to be black, about 30-40-years-old, 5ft 8in tall, of a medium build and said to have bloodshot eyes.

The third man was either Asian or of mixed race, aged 20-30-years-old, 5ft 7in tall and of a slim build. They were all wearing balaclavas. The other three men were not described.

Detective Constable Rich Shelton said: "The facts of this truly appalling robbery speak for themselves.

"This gang targeted a mum and her young daughter, even stooping as low as to hold a gun to the head of a woman who was clearly heavily pregnant and absolutely terrified. To threaten a nine-year-old girl merely compounds the cowardice of these men.

"Understandably, the mum and her young child are distraught and afraid these men may return, which is a feeling no-one should ever have to endure. Thankfully they were not physically injured and the unborn baby not harmed but the emotional trauma they have suffered is immeasurable.

"That is why it is so important we catch these unscrupulous and shameless offenders and give this family some sense of justice.

"I would appeal to anyone who has information about this robbery, or who suspects who may be involved, to come forward. In particular, if you are offered these pieces of jewellery or a white Samsung Galaxy Note then call police immediately."

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.