One of the group was impersonating a fast food delivery driver
Maldon Close, Halewood.(Image: Google)
An innocent man was hospitalised after a gang forced their way into his home in what police believe is a case of mistaken identity. Around 11pm on Saturday, three men knocked at a house on Maldon Close, Halewood, police said.
The men forced their way into the home when the person answered the door and they assaulted a man in his 30s with a weapon. The victim sustained injuries to his face, head, back and legs. He was treated at hospital, but has since been discharged.
One of the three men was wearing a high-vis jacket and was reportedly pretending to be a fast food delivery driver.
The other two wore dark clothing. The three men fled the scene in a dark-coloured vehicle.
Earlier in the night, around 10.30pm, police received reports that three men had attended a home on McVinnie Road, in Prescot.
Similar to the incident in Halewood, they knocked at the front door but no one answered and they left the scene.
Police believe the three to be the same group who assaulted the man in Halewood.
Detectives say they “strongly believe” that the suspects targeted the wrong homes and that these are two cases of mistaken identity.
No arrests have been made.
Detective Inspector Jamie Heston said: “Our investigation into both incidents are still in the early stages, but we believe they are linked and involve the same suspects who have targeted the wrong homes in two cases of mistaken identity.
“The innocent occupants are being supported by officers as we look to find who was responsible.
“The incident in Halewood in particular was truly shocking.
“To force entry into the home and seriously assault the victim is utterly appalling and we are determined to find the people responsible.
“An investigation is ongoing and we are appealing for anyone with information to come forward as a matter of urgency.
“If you live in either of these areas, please review any CCTV or doorbell footage that you may have in case you captured anything that could assist our inquiries.”
If you have any information, you can call 101 or DM @MerpolCC on social media quoting reference number 26000027449. You can also call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
