Our night of terror

A couple who were subjected to a horrific attack during a robbery have spoken about their ordeal for the first time.

Mr Simon Wesson was hit over the head with a rock, beaten, and tied up by two offenders. He needed 19 stitches in head injuries.

His partner, Miss Caroline Moore, was also tied up. She suffered minor injuries and was badly shaken.

The couple, who run taxi firm Z Cars from an office in North Muskham, have made a personal appeal for information about the incident.

A significant amount of cash and keys to a Toyota were stolen. The offenders drove off in the vehicle, which was found abandoned nearby.

Mr Wesson, 40, who has run Z Cars with Miss Moore for 12 years, said: “I had not long finished in the office for the night and was making my way over to the house.

“Caroline had gone to bed earlier as she was due to take over first thing in the morning.

“Just after I’d locked up I heard a noise coming from the field next to our house. As I turned round I saw two men running towards me. The next thing I knew I was on the ground.

“My first thought was for Caroline so I screamed out to alert her.

“She came to the window and tried to warn the men off but as I was held down by one of them, the other ran into the house and grabbed Caroline.

“She was forced to open the safe before being dragged barefoot across to the office and made to hand over more money.

“As this was all happening I was hit over the head with a large rock.

“Toward the end of the ordeal we were both dragged back inside the house and tied up.

“The robbery has not only left us both shaken and scared, but for several weeks after the incident we didn’t feel safe enough to open up at night.

“I was physically injured but didn’t really witness what happened as I was held down throughout. Caroline lived through it and has struggled to cope with what happened.”

The robbery happened at about 3am on December 31. Two men were arrested in connection with the incident but later released without charge.

Mr Wesson said: “I would appeal to anyone with information to call the police.

“Bringing those responsible to justice would help bring closure to both Caroline and I.”

The suspects are both described as black and had their faces covered.

Detective Constable Steve Hines said: “This was a very nasty robbery during which the owners of the taxi firm not only had their home invaded but were also tied up and threatened.

“Forensic evidence from the scene has been thoroughly analysed and CCTV trawled through in the hope of identifying the men responsible.

“They had their faces covered at the time so we are relying on anyone with information to come forward with information that will help us bring the offenders to justice.

“I am asking people to think back to where they were the night before, or during the very early hours of New Year’s Eve.

“Were you in the area that night? Did you see anyone acting suspiciously?”

Witnesses or anyone with information is asked to call Newark and Sherwood CID on 101, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.