A TERRIFIED mother has revealed the moment a gang of machete-wielding car-jackers ambushed her family – including her two children – outside their home in Coventry.
Claire Elizabeth Kelly posted on Facebook on Sunday (January 13) in an effort to appeal for information and recover the family’s Seat Leon.
West Midlands Police are investigating the incident, saying the family were ‘threatened with knives and metal bars’ as they returned to their Stivichall home at 7.20pm.
It was the last of three carjackings which happened in a matter of hours in different city locations.
She posted: “At 7.15pm tonight I had my car jacked off my drive with what is believed to be a machete by three (possibly four) young men.
“I had my two boys in the car. Thankfully one of the attackers let me get my boys out the car.
“We are all physically ok which is the main thing. I don’t care about my car, a car can be replaced, it’s some of the contents that can’t be replaced.
“My dog’s collar (who died last week) was in the car, sadly.
“If the people who took my car happen to see this, please let me have it back.
“Leave it on the doorstep in the night or something. Anything, just let me have it back.
“I will be eternally grateful to the young guy that let me get my children out the car.
“You don’t know how much that meant to me, so thank you.”
She updated her post to say her car had been recovered.
Detective inspector Stuart Bell said on Monday: “This is a shocking series of robberies involving weapons that was undoubtedly terrifying for the victims.
“We have drafted in additional officers from outside Coventry to help in the investigation and to catch those responsible.
“A dark blue Ford Fiesta was spotted at the scene of all the incidents so our belief is that this is a linked series of offences; witnesses have described one white offender and at least two black men as being involved.
“We need to catch the men responsible as soon as possible: they are dangerous individuals and ones who think nothing about threatening violence against innocent people and children.
“I’d urge any witnesses, anyone who saw a dark blue Fiesta in the area at the time, or anyone who suspects they know who may be involved to get in touch.”
Anyone with information should call West Midlands Police on 101, Live Chat at WMP Online between 8am to midnight or to call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111. Callers won’t be asked their names and calls can’t be traced.
