Armed gang holds terrified student hostage in car

Jul 31 2008 Liverpool Daily Post

North Mossley Hill Road at junction with Queens Drive _320

A LIVERPOOL student was threatened with a knife and held hostage in his car by robbers who stole cash and bank cards from his housemates.

The 23-year-old driver was jumped on as he stopped at traffic lights at the junction of Queens Drive junction and North Mossley Hill Road in Allerton at 12.30am yesterday.

Two men approached the red Ford KA and one offender opened the driver’s door, threatened the victim with a knife and forced into the back of the car.

He was then forced to give the offenders his address and driven to the house on Earlsfield Road, Wavertree, where the car was parked.

One of the offenders got out and knocked on the door of the property, threatened the three occupiers of the house with what is believed to be a gun and demanded wallets, cash cards and PIN numbers to be handed over.

He left when the occupiers handed over the items and went back to the car, driving for a short distance before forcing the victim out near to Olive Lane, Wavertree.

The vehicle was later found abandoned on Pighue Lane, Wavertree Technology Park and has been recovered to enable a full forensic examination, a sum of money had been removed from the vehicle.

The first offender is described as white in his mid to late 30s, slim build, between 5 ft 3in and 5ft 8in tall. He is described as being of scruffy appearance, and with dark, greasy hair and grey stubble.

The second offender is described as white and in his late 20's, medium build, around 5ft 8in tall, he had fair hair.

Detective Inspector Peter Parry said: "This is an isolated incident which we are treating very seriously. We would urge anyone who may have any information, which may help us in finding the two men responsible for this incident to come forward to police. We are conducting intensive inquires in the area. Incidents like this are extremely rare, however I would like to take this opportunity to remind people about in car safety. It is advisable to drive whilst all the car doors are locked. Please report anybody acting suspiciously to the police."

Officers are particularly interested in talking to anyone who witnessed two men getting into the Ford Ka as it was stopped at the traffic lights or who may have witnessed the vehicle being abandoned.

Merseyside Police is also appealing for anyone who may have information to contact them on: 0151 777 5364 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.