Peter shows his missing teeth

EXCLUSIVE

by Emma Grove

A grandad has spoken of the terrifying moment a masked robber threatened him with a claw hammer, tied him up and knocked his teeth out.

Peter Chandler was attacked at his bungalow in Belmont Road, Halfway, at about 11.15pm on Monday.

His ordeal, which lasted more than an hour, began after the doorbell rang and he came face to face with a balaclava-clad man who forced his way in.

The 60-year-old tried to stop the thug but he opened a bag to reveal the hammer.

They both grappled for it and Mr Chandler says they ended up fighting in the hallway.

Although the grandad-of-one was able to land a few punches, he was overpowered by the raider, who bound his hands behind his back with plastic ties.

He said: "He put his foot on my neck and I couldn't breathe. He whacked me with his fist and knocked four of my teeth out.

"Then he tied me up and said I want your money and valuables."

He gave the attacker £200 but the man said he knew he had more money and forced him to say where there was another £4,000 which he had been saving for his daughter.

Retired hospital porter Mr Chandler added: "He had the claw hammer and I just wanted to get rid of him so I told him where the money was.

"He knew my name but he had a balaclava on so I didn't recognise him.

"He got the money and then ransacked the house because I was tied up.

"I thought he was going to kill me - I'm lucky he didn't use the hammer."

The robber also stole sentimental jewellery belonging to Mr Chandler's late wife Geraldine, who died from breast cancer two years ago.

He fled with about 25 rings, a gold watch, a new laptop and a digital camera as well as a locket which contained a picture of Mrs Chandler and a lock of her hair.

The locket is quite distinctive and the family is hopeful someone might come forward if they see it.

Mr Chandler's daughter Elaine Newbury, who is eight months pregnant with her second child, got a phone call from her dad at about 12.45am on Tuesday telling her about the attack.

"he whacked me with his fist and knocked four of my teeth out...” – mr chandler

The 34-year-old said: "It was a violent and horrific attack and my dad was assaulted in his own home.

"It's a real ordeal for him.

"It's the after effects of something like this - it can ruin people's lives.

"It was well thought out - he [the robber] was prepared and it was planned.

"Why would someone do that? He's got to be desperate."

Police are appealing for information.

The offender is white, between 20 and 30, of stocky build with a southern accent.

Det Sgt Neil Kimber, of the Sheerness crime investigation team, said: "We're appealing for anyone who may have witnessed the offender either attending the house or leaving afterwards.

"My officers are carrying out extensive enquiries, including house-to-house, forensics and identifying any CCTV opportunities that there may be.

"We are also keen to reunite the victim with the jewellery stolen as it belonged to his late wife and was of special sentimental value so I would ask anyone potentially offered large quantities of jewellery for sale to contact us."

Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 01795 584 110 or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.