A TEENAGER was subjected to a vicious attack in his own home by five men brandishing a gun, machete, hammers, knives and a baseball bat.

The 17-year-old victim was home alone last Thursday night when the attackers, one of who later pointed the gun at police, forced their way into the family home in Montague Road, Hanwell, at about 9.30pm.

One man threatened the teenager, who lives with his family, with what is believed to be a sawn-off shotgun and demanded jewellery and money. During the attack a visiting friend of the teenager was also threatened.

The four other men began threatening and attacking the two teenagers with the weapons while continuously demanding money and jewellery.

A neighbour who heard shouting called police but the attackers ran off on foot in different directions and escaped before an armed response

The gunman aimed the gun at the officers before running off but no shots were fired. The area was cordoned off while armed police searched the surrounding neighbourhood but all five men managed to get away.

An eyewitness said: "There were lots of police officers behind the Red Lion pub between 9 and 10pm last Thursday and some of the roads were cordoned off. I had heard there had been a shooting."

The two teenagers were taken to nearby New Ealing Hospital for treatment and were later discharged.

D.I Dan Meaney of Ealing Police described the attack as vicious and is keeping an open mind with regards to a motive at this stage. He said:

The gunman is described as white, 20 years old with short blond hair and of medium build. He had stubble on his chin and a chipped upper front tooth. He was wearing white latex gloves, a grey hooded top and a dark baseball cap.

The second attacker was described as Asian, 5ft 8ins tall, 18-21 years old, of large build with a round face. He had a goatee beard and short hair.

The three other men were all described as black aged between 17-20. One of them wore a woolly hat and a dark jacket zipped up to his neck and of slim build. He was brandishing a hammer.

Another wore dark clothing and a dark jacket with yellow stripes and the last one also wore dark clothing and had a baseball bat with blue and red writing.

Anyone with any information is asked to call Ealing Crimedesk on 020 8246 9496 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

May 29, 2003 11:30