A violent robber, posing as a delivery driver, led an armed gang to raid a family home in Walsall, West Midlands, and held a gun to an 11-year-old boy's head while attempting to steal a Mercedes and a Range Rover from the driveway,reported the MailOnline.
The ordeal unfolded on last Wednesday (20) shortly before 12.30 pm was captured on CCTV footage.
The gang, comprised of six armed men, attempted to steal a Mercedes and a Range Rover from the driveway but were unsuccessful due to anti-theft devices installed in both vehicles.
West Midlands Police has taken the Range Rover for forensic examination as they investigate the incident as an 'aggravated robbery'.
The harrowing footage shows the armed robbers entering the property after one of them rang the doorbell pretending to be a delivery driver.
Once inside, they brandished weapons and threatened the family. The 11-year-old grandson pleaded with them, saying, 'Please don't shoot my grandad, don't stab my grandma.'
The robbers proceeded to steal valuable items, including a Rolex watch, two sets of car keys, and expensive jewellery, consisting of two bangles, a chain, and two pendants. They also demanded cash from the family, who informed them that they didn't have any.
The father of the young boy described how his son was deeply shaken by the incident. The armed gang put a gun to the boy's head and a knife to his grandmother's throat, while also threatening the grandfather.
The boy was crying and screaming during the ordeal, but the robbers showed no mercy, even threatening to tie him up and strangle him, according to the report.
Footage from the scene also captured the gang leaving the house and getting into a Range Rover parked on the driveway. However, they fled on foot when the immobilizer activated.
The situation took a different turn when the father's brother arrived at the scene in his Range Rover, causing panic among the robbers. They had cable ties with them, which the family believes were intended for restraining them for an extended period.
After the gang fled, around 20 neighbors rushed to help upon being alerted through the estate's WhatsApp group. The father said the incident has 'scarred' his son for life.
"We went back to my parent's house this morning and he was scared to go back inside the house. My mum has been awake all night, she says she keeps seeing the same people over and over again," he was quoted as saying.
A spokesman for West Midlands Police said, "We are aware of CCTV footage circulating on social media showing a number of men trying to steal a Range Rover from the drive before running off.
"We are in the early stages of our enquiry and would urge people who may have information to please contact us via Live Chat on our website or by calling 101 quoting crime investigation number 20/822417/23."
Diwali illuminations in Leicester (Pic credit: Beth Walsh Photography) Beth Walsh Photography