A dad claims he was confronted by an axe-wielding thug running out of his home and his terrified wife and daughter hiding after being threatened at knifepoint.
He says three men broke into the house in Kirkby, Merseyside, smashing their way into the bathroom where Stephen Hughes’ wife and eight-year-old daughter were hiding.
One of the thugs had then punched Olivia, eight, in the head, as they demanded jewellery.
Stephen said when he returned home and saw the axe wielding thug he feared for the worst.
Reliving the moment his terrified wife raised the alarm, musician and licensee Mr Hughes told the Liverpool Echo: “Kellianne rang me. I had recently re-edited a Hillsborough tribute song and I was in the studio putting the finishing touches on it.
(Photo: Liverpool Echo/James Maloney)
(Photo: Liverpool Echo)
“It would be impossible to replicate the fear in her voice. She said someone was getting in the house and we just ran out immediately. When I got out the car I didn’t know what to expect.
“We have a big dopey German Shepherd and I thought maybe he had been messing about and had pulled a chair down or something.
“I didn’t expect to get home to a man running out of my house swinging an axe at me.”
CCTV taken at house in Brampton Close captures the moment Stephen and a friend pull up outside and into the path of the the alleged robber.
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Stephen said: “He went to throw it or swing it and I was gobsmacked – instinctively I ducked and he ran. My first thought was to stop him and I jumped in the car and gave chase, then it suddenly dawned on me that the girls could still be in danger.”
When Stephens’s wife heard the gang breaking in she had locked herself and her eight-year-old daughter Olivia in the bathroom, calling Stephen on his mobile.
But as he rushed home the robbers broke into the bathroom, where they held a knife to both victims’ throats as they demanded cash and jewellery.
(Photo: Liverpool Echo/James Maloney)
They then made off with jewellery, including a wedding and engagement ring, and a sentimental family necklace.
When Stephen returned he did not know what to expect.
Recalling his steps through the home as his calls for them went unanswered, he admitted he feared the worst.
The 45-year-old, who plays a key role in an award-winning cancer charity called Silver Linings, said: “When I came in the house I was shouting for them but received no answer.
“Walking up the stairs was possibly the worst feeling of my life, I really thought the worst. They weren’t there, they had run out the house and called on a neighbour.
“Olivia was hiding under the table, my wife was hysterical. She said Olivia had been punched in the head and they had knives held to their throats.
“I lost it. I fell to the floor. It was just horrific.”
Merseyside Police has launched an investigation into the incident and is examining CCTV footage. Forensics officers have also visited the property.
But seven days on the robbers remain on the run.
Mr Hughes wished to thank the huge number of friends, family and “perfect strangers” that have offered their support over the past few days.
And he urged anyone who knows who is behind the incident to help the investigation.
(Photo: Liverpool Echo)
(Photo: Liverpool Echo)
He said: “As a society we need to say no, this isn’t acceptable. Us Scousers notoriously stick together. It would be easy to lose faith in people but the support we have received has been beyond belief.
“Catching the men would begin the healing process. We would be able to start moving on with our lives. At the moment we don’t feel safe in our own home.”
Merseyside Police has also called for the public’s help to trace the offenders.
Appealing for information, Detective Inspector Cath Haggerty said: “To target a woman and child in this way is completely despicable and I’d ask anyone who has any information about this, to think about how they would feel if this was their family who had been treated and attacked in this way, in their own home.
“We are working hard to identify and trace those responsible and would ask anyone who has any information about this incident, no matter how small, to get in contact with 0151 777 6064 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”