HUNT FOR ROBBERS STEPPED UP

Checkpoints were set up on Wednesday evening last week on the A271 '“ exactly a week after robbers forced their way into an elderly man's home at Horsebridge.

All vehicles travelling along the road during the evening at about the same time that the crime was committed were stopped.

Officers were keen to identify potential witnesses.

Wealden police believe the gang is responsible for five similar offences in Sussex, particularly in areas on and just off the A22.

In each incident an elderly person living alone is targeted, forced inside the house while a search is made and jewellery or cash is stolen.

Victims include a 77-year-old living in Gun Hill and a 74-year-old from Laughton.

Sergeant Dave Price said: 'The inquiry into this particularly nasty offence is still very much ongoing.

'Some useful information was obtained from the road check and a number of inquiries are being conducted.

'However, we still need more information and I would urge anyone who saw anything suspicious or who has remembered any detail, no matter how small it seems, to get in touch either with Wealden police on 0845 6070999 or Crimestoppers anonymously on: 0800 555111.'