One arrested after masked men force their way into Etchingham house

A man has been arrested after a large quantity of cash and jewellery was stolen during a robbery in Etchingham, according to police.
Items stolen during a robbery in Etchingham. Picture: Sussex PoliceItems stolen during a robbery in Etchingham. Picture: Sussex Police
Items stolen during a robbery in Etchingham. Picture: Sussex Police

Two masked men are reported to have forced their way into a house in Fontridge Lane, Etchingham, shortly after 9.15pm on Monday, April 29.

Police said the two occupants of the house – a man and a woman – were alerted to the disturbance at the back door and challenged the intruders. During this, the man was punched in the face, and both occupants were bound on the floor using cable ties, police said.

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A search of the property was made, and the offenders got away with jewellery including watches, bracelets and necklaces – with a total valuation into the high hundreds of thousands of pounds – and approximately £20,000 in cash.

Police are hoping this CCTV image may help potential witnesses. Picture: Sussex PolicePolice are hoping this CCTV image may help potential witnesses. Picture: Sussex Police
Police are hoping this CCTV image may help potential witnesses. Picture: Sussex Police

Detectives have since released images of some of the items stolen, and are continuing to appeal for anyone with any information about the incident to come forward. No items have been recovered at this stage.

The offenders also stole a black Range Rover from the address, which was found burnt out shortly afterwards in nearby Church Lane.

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Inspector Jon Gillings, of Hastings Investigations, said: “Following extensive enquiries, we arrested a 56-year-old man from Tonbridge in Kent on suspicion of robbery. He has been released on conditional bail until 31 May, pending further enquiries.

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“At least one suspect remains outstanding and we are still appealing for anyone with any information about the incident to come forward.

“Specifically, we would like to hear from anyone who may have seen these valuable items of jewellery, or been offered them for sale.”

A CCTV image of two suspects has also been released.

Investigator Martin Mann said: “We are hoping this image – although it doesn’t clearly show their faces – might jog memories of people who might have been in the area at the time.

“We believe this to be a pre-planned and targeted attack on a couple who were left understandably shaken following the incident. They are receiving the support they need at this time.”

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Inspector Gillings added: “We are also keen to hear from anyone who saw anyone or anything suspicious in the area around the time of the offence, or in the days leading up to it.”

The first suspect is described as black, about 6ft, in his mid to late 20s, of stocky build, wearing black gloves, black trousers, a black hoody, and blue and white Nike Air Max trainers.

The second suspect is described was described as white but is believed to have been wearing gloves and his face was covered, wearing a black hoody, black tracksuit bottoms and a balaclava, and carrying a large knife.

Both suspects spoke in an English accent, police said.

Anyone with any information is asked to report it online or call 101, quoting Operation Peartree.

Alternatively, you can visit the Crimestoppers website or contact the independent charity anonymously on 0800 555 111.