Five arrested after group attacks man before stealing his car during aggravated burglary in Leyland

A man in 50s answered the door at around 8.15am on Friday (July 31) to a group of people who claimed to be looking for a woman inside the address in Towngate.

Once the door was open, the group allegedly forced their way inside the home before attacking the man, hitting him across the face, back and body.

The offenders then reportedly stole money, a mobile phone and the keys to the victim's car - a silver Nissan Micra with the registration plate AD04 CMU.

It was later reported the car had been pushed towards Hurst Park before being set alight.

Detectives are now urging anyone with CCTV or dashcam footage, showing the vehicle between 8.15am and 9.30am on Friday (July 31), to come forward.

Det Con Deborah Parkinson, of Lancashire Police, said: "We have launched an investigation following an aggravated burglary in Chorley.

"We believe a man has been attacked in his own home before having his car stolen and later set alight.

"While we have made a number of arrests, we are appealing for people with information, particularly CCTV or dashcam, showing the vehicle involved, to come forward."

Police say this was a "serious" incident and that they believe a number of people will have seen the vehicle in question.

Officers who attended the scene at Hurst Park made a number of arrests. They are:

- A 17-year-old boy from Leyland, a 16-year-old boy from Manchester and a 19-year-old man from Salford were arrested on suspicion of theft of a motor vehicle and bailed to August 25.

- A 38-year-old woman from Leyland was arrested on suspicion of drink-driving and bailed to August 28.

- A 44-year-old man from Preston was arrested on suspicion of aggravated burglary and bailed to August 25.

Prior to the car being set alight, it was seen travelling in Towngate, towards Longmeanygate, and onto Penwortham Way where it collided with a Morrisons supermarket lorry.

The car was later stopped in the car park at Booths supermarket in Penwortham before being driven to Glenway where a man got out and walked towards Cop Lane.

Anyone with information can contact police by calling (01257) 246172 or e-mailing [email protected]