ARMED BURGLARS IN MELBOURNE.

Hot Lakes Chronicle, Volume 2, Issue 127, 10 July 1895, Page 4

ARMED BURGLARS IN MELBOURNE.

A sensational burglary was porpc trated early on tlio 11th June, at tho residence of Mr Thomas Porchard, ]So 54, Gibdou-streot, Burnley, Melbourne In a most daring manner three frowsy- : looking men, armed with revolvers, garrotted Mr Perchard in his bed, and robbed the house of some money and a considerable quantity of jewellery. The victim is an elderly man of independent means, living by himself in a brick villa midway between the railway and the Tarra. He states that between 1 and 2 a.m. be was awakened by a loud noise at the back door, and called out " Who's there ? " A Imost immediately the door was burst open, and a man rushed into his room saying, "I'll shoot you if you breathe a word," at the same time presenting a revolver at his head, Another burglar then appeared, and 'Mr Perchard half raised himself in his bed, so that if attacked he might be in a bettor position to defend himself, lie was then seized by the throat and half strangled, his assailants keeping the bed clothes over his head. When almost suffoonted he succeeded in throwing the bedclothes aside, when one of the burglars struck him with a revolver in the face, severely injuring his eye. They then bound him hands and feet, and, while one of the gang kept guard over him with a revolver, the others raided the house. Tho value of the plunder they procured is estimated at about £SO. As soon as the thieves had taken their departure Mr Perchard set to work to release himself, and after haid tugging succeeded in freeing his legs, and he severed the bands about bis arms by rubbing them against the edge of a chisel. Some hours elapsed before he regained sufficient strength to make an examination of the premises and report tho matter to the local police. The imprints in the woodwork of the back door show that entrance was made with the • aid of a powerful jemmy, the Jock being forced completely out of position. Mr Perchard is unable to give the police any description of his assailants.