Caught in the act: CCTV captures violent robbers terrorising family

Glazing firm boss Adrian Welch (44) cowers in the top right corner of the picture while he is menaced by one of the two raiders who got into the garden of the home in Sprotborough on September 7

The picture is one of several taken from CCTV footage of the incident — Mr Welch’s family can be seen fleeing the men in the others.

The police have released the images in an attempt to catch the men and local businesses have clubbed together to offer a £5,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the robbers.

Mr Welch was punched in the face during the raid and made to take money and other valuable items from the safe in his home before the two men left.

Det Insp Rich Partridge said: “This was a particularly nasty and violent robbery that has had devastating effects on the family and has left them extremely shaken and feeling incredibly vulnerable.

“The family residence was targeted during daylight hours and the threats of violence in the presence of young children, and the possession of weapons, is a cause for great concern.

“I would urge anyone with information to please come forward to assist with the investigation.”

The incident unfolded at around 5.45pm when three men driving a black Audi A5 pulled into a field behind the Welch's house.

Two men got out of the car and entered the garden.

One man was wearing a mask over his face and the other man was wearing a scarf pulled up to the bridge of his nose.

After forcing Mr Welch to empty his safe they left the property and it is believed they waited on Spring Lane for a short time until a passing white Ford Transit van picked them up and dropped them off outside the Sun Inn on Barnsley Road, Scawsby.

Police initially arrested eight men who have been bailed pending further enquiries.

Anyone with information should call South Yorkshire Police on 101, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111, quoting incident number 857 of September 7.