Two people were badly injured after being pistol whipped by three burglars who burst into a Battersea flat.

The 43-year-old owner of the flat in Dagnall Street needed three stitches after he was hit on the back of his head with a handgun when three men barged their way into his home, at 9.30pm on Wednesday, May 14.

His friend, a 39-year-old woman, was also hit across the cheek with the gun and suffered a cut to her face during the burglary.

Police say the occupant was expecting a friend to call at around that time which is why he opened the door to the men, who pushed the gun in his face shouting "where's the money".

Detective Constable Geoff Church, from Wandsworth's Burglary Squad, said the burglars left empty handed after searching the man's home. He said: "This was a horrific attack and we are unsure as to the motive at the moment. The men made a quick search of the flat and made a quick short exit, and it is not known at this stage where they ran to.

"We are obviously appealing for witnesses who may have seen anyone acting suspiciously around Dagnall Street at that time. If anyone saw anything unusual we would like them to contact us or ring the Crimestoppers number."

All three suspects are black men in their late 20s or early 30s. All are between 5ft 8ins and 6ft and were wearing dark clothing at the time.

If you have any information call DC Church at the Wandsworth Burglary Squad on 020 8247 8865 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

The man was taken to the Chelsea and Westminster hospital with a suspected skull fracture and the woman was also admitted to hospital. Both have now been released.

May 29, 2003 10:31