An appeal has been launched to identify three men who posed as police officers to gain entry into a property in Croydon.

Police investigating the incident have released CCTV images of the fake officers following the violent burglary which took place last year. 

On Sunday, 25 October 2020, between 4.55pm and 5.11pm, the three men got out of a silver Vauxhall Insignia and approached the residents of an address on Featherbed Lane, Croydon.

They were wearing black baseball caps with 'police' on and utility belts holding handcuffs.

It was also reported that the men produced fake warrant cards and claimed they were investigating tax evasion and money laundering.

It was reported that the residents became suspicious and challenged the men's story, but not before they had forced their way into the address.

One resident was forced to the floor and his hands were cable-tied behind his back. 

Your Local Guardian: Close up of one of the suspects Close up of one of the suspects

The fake officers then demanded money and threatened to 'tear the place apart' if they weren't told where it was kept.

The suspects were able to steal more than £20,000 in cash, as well as a high powered air rifle, before returning to the silver Insignia where a getaway driver was waiting for them. 

The vehicle, which displayed a false number plate of NA0 8XHZ, was then seen to drive back along Featherbed Lane, away from Croydon.

The suspects are described as follows:

[A]: A light-skinned black male, around 5’9-10 tall, with dark eyes, black stubble, aged around 40, of medium build with a south London accent.

[B]: White male, 6’3-4 tall, aged between 40 and 45, with blue eyes and mousy brown hair.

[C]: White male, aged 40-45, of heavy (fat) build.

Anyone with information that could help identify the men in the pictures is asked to call the police on 101 quoting crime reference 3832626/20.

Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.