ONE of Britain’s wealthiest couples were held captive in a premeditated raid by masked raiders who plundered their home of cash and £100,000-worth of jewels.
Tony and Doreen Lofthouse, who made millions from the throat lozenges, Fishermen’s Friend, were confronted by burglars at their home near Blackpool, Lancashire, on Friday night. The two thieves then made off with diamond-studded ear-rings, brooches and other high value jewellery as well as Mrs Lofthouse’s MBE and OBE and a gold Fisherman’s Friend lozenge which was mounted in a frame.
Lancashire Police said the couple, ranked 491st in the 2008 Sunday Times Rich List, with a fortune of £165m, were left in shock after being locked in a room during the raid.
Detective Inspector Glen Oldham described the robbery as “premeditated and carefully planned”. He said: “I am appealing to the public to be vigilant.”
