The police have arrested a man for robbery in connection to the break-in of Mark Cavendish, the Olympic cycling champion.
Romario Henry (30), from Lewisham in south-east London was taken into custody after CavendishThe 36-year old man and his wife, Peta, were attacked by four men at gunpoint in an attack on their home in Ongar, Essex. It happened at 2.35 am on November 27.
This 30-year-old woman is Due to appear today at the Colchester Magistrates Court charged with two counts each of robbery.
Two 27-year-old men – one from Gillingham and one from Camberwell – were also arrested last week and have been released on bail until January 12, Essex Police said.
The home of Mark Cavendish & Peta Todd was broken into by four men (photo taken in London, 2016) around 2.35 AM on November 27.
Essex Police last month released CCTV images showing people fleeing from the scene.
This month the Armed thugs targeted the house of an athlete and his spouse in a preplanned raid.
They watched their terrified parents being attacked and threatened, as well as the resulting traumatizing for their children.
Although no one in the family suffered serious injuries, the thieves stole a Louis Vuitton luggage and two valuable watches.
The attack came just six days after Cavendish suffered two broken ribs and a collapsed lung in a horrific crash in Belgium.
Speaking at the time Mr Cavendish said: ‘As I’m sure you will understand, this incident has left our family extremely distressed – not just myself and Peta but our children as well, who feared for their lives and are now struggling with the after-effects.
‘No one should have to experience the sort of violence and threats made against us, let alone this happening in a family home – a place where everyone should feel safe.
The items stolen are not material goods. At the moment, our priority is to help the family recover from this event. We know that it will take time.
“We want to express our gratitude to Essex Police, for the prompt and professional response. We also appreciate the dedication and focus that they have shown in the investigation.
Cavendish suffered a collapsed lung and two broken ribs in his crash during the Ghent Six Day track event on November 21.
Lasse Norman Hansen was crashing in front the world-champion athlete as he raced in Madison together with Deceuninck Quick Step partner Iljo Keisse.
After riding into the Dane’s bicycle, he was taken on a stretcher to Ghent University Hospital. There he spent one night in intensive care.
Cavendish made a separate Twitter statement. He wrote, “In the early morning of November 27, while I was recovering at my Essex family house shortly after leaving intensive medical care, four armed and masking men forced their entry into our home, as we were sleeping, threatened my spouse and children, and attacked me violently.”
They took our possessions and ransacked them at knifepoint.
Two watches were taken from the property. One of them was taken last month.
He said that far more serious was taking the “sense of security and safety, privacy, dignity and privacy that my young family as well and everyone else has right to enjoy in their own homes”. Another watch was also stolen.
In his Instagram Story, the Olympic cyclist described the attack and asked for any information from the public to call the police
Essex Police made CCTV images available as part their investigation.
“Amongst the things that was taken were watches of sentimental and great value. Far, far more important was the feeling of safety, security and dignity my family, and everyone else, has in their home.
The impact that this horror story has had upon my family is already devastating. I ask anyone who can help me to dial 101, and quote reference 42/275184/21. We are grateful.
Peta Todd, a former model and actress said that she was asleep when burglars broke into their home.
Tweeted her: “In early November 27, four armed men broke into my home in Essex, where Mark was shortly recovering after being discharged from intensive care.
“They attacked Mark and threatened me and our children. Then they ransacked our belongings at knifepoint.
Two watches with great sentimental value were among the items that were taken. The sense of security, safety and dignity our young family has in their own homes is far better.
Cavendish was among several riders who crashed in the last race of the Ghent Six Day track competition.
He was taken on a stretcher to Ghent University Hospital where he spent the night in intensive medical care.
A Tour de France cyclist is currently in recovery from a horrific crash that occurred earlier this year.
Cavendish is shown with Peta, his wife and their children at the Natourcriterium Roeselare cycle race held in Roeselare in July 2021
“The impact this nightmare has already had on our families is already heartbreakingly obvious, so please call 101 and quote reference 42/275184/21. We are grateful.
Tony Atkin, Detective Inspector, stated at that time: “This was undoubtedly an intentional incident at the residence of a famous British Olympian who was at the moment recovering from serious injuries following a collision while competing. This was well-publicised.”
“Our investigation is progressing at a pace, and we’re following several lines of inquiry while we try to capture those responsible.
Cavendish, Mr., and his wife, were attacked and threatened at their own house in front of their young children.
“Thankfully they’re recovering but the trauma will last a long time.
“Today we release images of people who were captured by CCTV on fleeing the scene. We urge everyone to contact us immediately if they recognize them.
“We will also release images of the luggage and 2 watches, which were both stolen in the incident.”
“It’s likely that the thieves are trying to sell these items for large sums of cash. I urge anybody who has been offered these items to get in touch with me – they are stolen property.
Please contact us immediately if you were given these items. This incident will cause great concern among the community.
“There will be an ongoing visible police presence in the region as investigations continue in the next days.”