Car, cash and firearms stolen in aggravated burglary: Boltby
(YO7 - Monday, 16 March, 2009)

Detectives investigating a vicious attack on a elderly man in North Yorkshire are widening their appeal for information to the South Yorkshire area.

The victim, a man in his seventies, has contacts in the Barnsley area and also visits friends in South Yorkshire on a regular basis.

Police believe someone from the area could provide vital information which could help the investigation, particularly anyone who comes to North Yorkshire to take part in shooting events.

Police launched an investigation after three masked men raided a farm house on the outskirts of Thirsk. 

The men broke into the property at Boltby - which is six miles north-east of Thirsk on the edge of the North Yorkshire Moors National Park -  at around 11pm on Saturday 21 February 2009.

They tied up and assaulted the elderly homeowner, before driving off in the man's car with a haul including two rifles, two shotguns and a sum of money.

The victim remained tied up in the house overnight until he was discovered by a friend at 9.35am on Sunday.

The friend alerted the police immediately and an ambulance was dispatched to the scene.

The man was treated at the Friarage hospital in Northallerton and later discharged.

Senior Investigating Officer, Detective Inspector Keith Ruff, said:

"This was a nasty and very frightening assault on a defenceless elderly man in his own home.

"Appeals for information have so far not yielded any concrete leads and we are hoping someone in the South Yorkshire area may have information which could help us.

"Especially anyone who may have attended shooting parties in the Thirsk or North Yorkshire Moors area."

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Northallerton CID on 0845 60 60 247,

Or, you can give information anonymously by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Police Force: North Yorkshire

Address:
Boltby
Thirsk
YORKSHIRE
YO7