Two men arrested after violent home invasion

(CNS): Two West Bay men have been arrested in relation to a violent home invasion in the district last week in which the victim was chopped in the head with a machete. A 53-year-old man was arrested yesterday (Monday, 11 March) on suspicion of aggravated burglary, and a 40-year-old man was arrested today for unspecified offences related to the incident. The home invasion happened on 9 March in the Batabano area of West Bay, when a single masked man broke into a house and demanded jewellery before becoming involved in a struggle with the victim.

After striking the man with the machete he was carrying, the culprit left the home, and after searching the victim’s car he fled on foot with stolen personal items.

This was the second aggravated burglary in the district in a matter of days. On 6 March, two men broke into a home on Birch Tree Hill  in West Bay. According to police, one of the men was carrying something that appeared to be a handgun and the other a long metal object. They demanded money from the occupant of the property but met with resistance and the men fled empty-handed.  The victim did not sustain any serious injuries during that attack.

However, given the seriousness of the offences, community police officers have been visiting the Batabano and Birch Tree Hill areas of the district to reassure residents and offer safety and security tips as well as listen to their concerns.

Both cases are under investigation and the two men remain in custody.