Five burglars are being hunted after breaking into a remote farmhouse and forcing a ‘terrified’ woman to the ground while they made off with guns, jewellery and handbags.
The 55-year-old victim was at home with a five-year-old girl asleep in another room when the gang entered through an upstairs window, police say.
CCTV images show the masked men clad in dark clothing and carrying long blades making their way through the property in a secluded part of Eynsham, Oxfordshire, on Friday evening.
Detectives say they forced the woman to get down on the floor while they searched the house, breaking things on their way.
Around £200,000 worth of items were stolen, including an entire safe containing three rifles, two shotguns and ammunition, which were understood to all be licensed.
The woman’s mobile phone and car were also stolen, and the gang made off in her vehicle and a dark-coloured coupé thought to be an Audi.
Detective Sergeant Simon Pond said: ‘This was a hugely distressing incident for the victim, as well as the rest of the family who were not present during the break in, especially as it occurred while a young child was asleep.’
It’s believed the gang may be linked to a sighting of a man at the same property on January 9.
Anyone with information about the incident has been urged to contact police on 101, quoting reference number 43230041088.
Officers are also keen to hear of sightings of the woman’s car, a blue Nissan Juke, or information related to the stolen items.
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