Barratt housing tycoon burgled while at home

DETECTIVES are hunting a masked gang who targeted a housing tycoon during a jewellery raid.

The trio broke into the home of property millionaire Sir Lawrence Barratt on Monday afternoon. With balaclavas hiding their faces, they entered the house in Corbridge, Northumberland, while Sir Lawrie was at home with family. They scoured the property before fleeing with a cache of jewellery.

A Northumbria Police spokesman said: "The residents were left very shaken, but uninjured. Inquiries are ongoing."

Sir Lawrie, 83, whose grand-daughter is married to the Newcastle United defender Sol Campbell, was said to have been left shocked and shaken, but unhurt. One neighbour said: "You can't see the house from the road, so I would be surprised if anyone saw anything.

"There are gates and an intercom - no-one would have any suspicion that something was wrong. But it takes some nerve to do something like this in the afternoon, particularly if people are at home.

"This is usually the type of place you can leave your door unlocked."

Sir Lawrie founded Barratt Development in 1958, and saw it become one of Britain's largest housebuilders. He retired in 1997, but remains life president of the company and a significant shareholder.