Police are hunting callous thugs – one possibly as young as 14 – who attacked a terminally-ill Dewsbury woman in her own home.
Police believe the woman is being targeted after two attacks in two days at her home in Moorside Avenue, Dewsbury Moor.
On Saturday at 10.15am, two masked youths entered the house while her partner was out and pushed the 35-year-old victim’s head against a wall before leaving. Nothing was taken.
Two days before on Thursday evening someone sneaked into the house between 5.30pm and 5.45pm and made a search before leaving with a camcorder and a substantial amount of cash. The victim didn’t see or hear anything at the time.
The youths involved in the latest incident are described as wearing balaclavas. The first is described as 16-17-years-old and of “chubby” build.
He was wearing a black hooded top, black tracksuit bottoms and white trainers.
The younger one is described as around 14-years-old, of slim build. He was wearing a black hooded top, grey tracksuit bottoms and white trainers.
Moorside Avenue became notorious in 2008 as the street where Karen Matthews lived.
Matthews was jailed for eight years for the kidnap of nine-year-old daughter Shannon.
Det Sgt Paul Keitch, of Kirklees CID, said: “It is clearly concerning that this vulnerable woman’s home has been targeted twice in a short period of time, with the intruders in this latest incident also using violence against her.
“Thankfully she was not seriously hurt but nonetheless this was a frightening experience for her and it is vitally important that we identify those involved.
“We are supporting the victim and her family, which includes advising on how the property can be made more secure.
“Additional patrols are also being put in place to provide reassurance and deter any further offending.
“As part of our ongoing enquiries we have been speaking to those living in the area but I would urge anyone with information about either of these incidents or the people involved to call Kirklees CID on 101.”
In unrelated investigations, police would like to speak to the people pictured in the image gallery below. The people pictured in the images may be witnesses as well as suspects. If you recognise anyone, contact police on 101 quoting the reference number on the image caption.
