Fight With Sicilian Brigands.

Auckland Star, Volume XVII, Issue 124, 29 May 1886, Page 6

Fight With Sicilian Brigands.

Attempt to Carry Off an English Nobleman's Son.

A " Central News " telegramjrom Palermo says:—A daring outrage by brigands is reported from Bronte. A band of armed ruffians attacked the villa belonging to Viscount Bridport, or the Duke de Bronte, as her is known in Sicily. The villa bears a high historic interest, having been presented to Admiral Lord Nelson by the Neapolitan King, for the gallant services rendered by England's naval hero after the victory of the Nile, when he expelled tho French from Naples. The brigands yesterday advanced boldly to the villa, their evident intention being to carry off the Hon. Victor Hood, the son of Lord Bridport, with a view to obtaining a high ransom. They were met, however, by* a smart fullisade from the guards and servants on the estate, the fire being briskly returned. All attempts of the brigands to gain the house, however, were frustrated Many of their number were hit, and they were finally brilliantly repulsed, the Bon. Victor Hood and his defenders capturing four of the robbers who were unable to effect their escape. The outrage has created a sensation, even in this land of brigandage. Five years ago, it will be remembered, a band of robbers made, a similiar attempt upon Lord Bridport'o estate. They were then repulsed, ouo of the robbers being shot.