Knife raiders knock baby from mother's arms

A four-month-old baby was knocked out of her mother's arms to the floor during a knifepoint robbery at their home, police said today.

Two thieves burst into the house in Salford, Greater Manchester, and grabbed the 43-year-old mother by the throat.

She was holding her baby girl, who was knocked out of her arms during the struggle, Greater Manchester Police said.

The baby was taken to hospital as a precaution having suffered a slight bruise to her forehead.

Her mother suffered a small cut from the knife.

The thieves pulled up outside the family's house on Upper Park Road, Broughton Park, in what was described as a red hatchback and knocked on the door at 7.30pm yesterday.

When the woman opened the door they burst in, brandishing an 8in black kitchen knife which one of the men held to her throat, demanding gold.

The thief ripped a gold chain from around the woman's neck and he and his accomplice fled, driving off in the red hatchback.

Greater Manchester Police appealed to anyone with information to come forward.

Detective Chief Inspector Alistair Mallen said: "I'm sure anyone reading or hearing this will be absolutely appalled that a very young baby should have been placed in such a dangerous situation by these men.

"Thankfully, the baby did not suffer any major injuries but given that a knife was being brandished this is more by chance than design. Understandably, the family are extremely upset and want whoever is responsible locked up.

"I am urging anyone who has information to come forward. If you saw these men going into or out of the house, or saw a red hatchback being driven at speed, then please call us as your information could be crucial.

"Similarly, if you hear any gossip or rumours then please let us know because within those rumours could be vital information we need. With the community's help, we can find these men and put them behind bars and give this family some semblance of justice.

"I'm sure people in the community will be alarmed when they know what happened. I want to stress that incidents like this are very rare and extra officers will be patrolling the area in the coming days both to reassure people and try and establish the identity of the culprits."

The man holding the knife was described as white, about 6ft tall, of medium build and in his early to mid-20s. He had a stubbly complexion and was wearing a green hooded top pulled tightly around his face.

Anyone with information should call Salford CID on 0161 856 5097 or the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.