Boy, 17, relives burglary gang's axe attack

A 17-year-old boy has said he is "extremely lucky" to be alive after being attacked with an axe in his own home.

The teenager - who did not wish to be named - was the victim in an aggravated burglary in Roundhill Road, Stoneygate, involving four masked men, armed with an axe and garden tools on 5 January.

The incident is one of a string of 11 armed break-ins reported in East Leicester in three months, which has led to increased patrols.

It resulted in the boy spending four days in hospital with internal bleeding, bruising and swelling to his skull.

Recalling the attack, the teenager said: "He's run up the stairs, he's punched me across the face.

"I've fallen to the floor outside my room and the second guy whose on the stairs said 'give me money, where money?' He swore at me a lot.

"They were hitting me so much, using their tools, a spade and a fork, violently just assaulting me.

"They had no remorse, kicking me with their steel toecap boots, punching me on the floor.

"For all I know he could have used the other end of his axe and I wouldn't be here today."

A family safe was taken by the gang, which has yet to be identified.

Leicestershire Police said it had received 11 reports of aggravated burglary in East Leicester between 13 October and 12 January.

The force added it was increasing patrols in the area to reassure the community.

Leicestershire Council of Mosques has written to the county's chief constable to express concern over the incidents.

It said: "Taken together, these incidents have heightened fear and anxiety within the Muslim community, particularly due to the violent manner of the [Roundhill Road] robbery.

"Given the nature and apparent pattern of these crimes, we respectfully urge that this matter be treated with the utmost urgency to help prevent any further attacks on families and to reassure residents that their safety is a priority."

Ismail Shaffi, chairman of the group, told the BBC people were feeling afraid.

"We're hearing mums are thinking of extra security. There's a great sense of fear within the community," he said.

Insp Charles Edwards said the issue was wider than East Leicester and other high-value items, not just gold, were being targeted.

He said: "I appreciate it hits the community quite hard but we have a lot of elements targeting the criminals that are doing this - be that where we think they are, be that around vehicles or mobile phone technology.

"We have a lot of work going on that won't be visible to the communities."

Additional reporting by Isaac Ashe

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