Cavendish Suffered a Violent Ordeal at the End of November
In the early hours on November 27th, Mark Cavendish and his family were subject to a violent armed robbery in which the Olympian was threatened at knifepoint.
After suffering horrific injuries during the recent Ghent Six event, in which he broke two ribs and punctured one of his lungs, the Manxman returned to his family home to recover after spending several nights in intensive care. However, writing on Instagram, the 36-year-old said that he was attacked by four masked and armed men, with the gang threatening his wife Peta and four children at knifepoint.
The group fled with two expensive watches and a Louis Vuitton suitcase, but the real damage dealt has been to Cavendish and his family, who he says are now “struggling with the after-effects”.
Writing on social media, the two-time Tour de France green jersey winner said; “In the early hours of 27th November, while recovering at our Essex family home shortly after leaving intensive care, four masked and armed men forced their way into our home as we slept, threatened my wife and children and violently attacked me. At knifepoint, they proceeded to ransack our belongings.
“Amongst what was taken were two watches of great sentiment and value. But far, far worse to be taken was the sense of security, safety, privacy and dignity that my young family and everybody else is entitled to in their own home.
“The effect that this nightmare has had on my family is already heart-breakingly evident, so I beg anybody who may be able to help us with information to call 101, quoting reference 42/275184/21.”
The news comes on the same day that the legendary sprinter announced he would be signing a one-year contract, keeping him at Belgian team Deceuninck Quick-Step through the 2022 season.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k7vQVp7NPSA
Essex Police have confirmed they are currently investigating the ordeal, and confirmed that although Cavendish himself was assaulted, nor he or his family were seriously injured.
“This was undoubtedly a targeted incident at the home of a celebrated British Olympian, who at the time was recovering from significant injuries resulting from a crash whilst competing, which was well publicised. Our investigation is moving along at pace and we are following a number of lines of inquiry as we seek to catch those responsible,” said Detective Inspector Tony Atkin, the Senior Investigating Officer.
“Mr Cavendish and his wife were assaulted and threatened in their own home, in the presence of their young children, who witnessed these events. Thankfully, they are recovering, but the traumatic effect will be long standing.”
Anyone who was in the Ongar area between 2am and 2.40am on 27th November and saw anybody acting suspiciously, or has any information that could help with the investigation, should contact Loughton CID on 101 quoting reference 42/275184/21 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
