Phones4U billionaire John Caudwell in raid terror

The richest man in the Midlands has been battered with an iron bar by masked raiders who burst into his Staffordshire mansion before stealing cash and jewels.

Billionaire John Caudwell and his partner Claire Johnson, were in Broughton Hall, near Eccleshall, Stafford, when the door burst open at 8.30pm on Monday.

The former Phones4U boss was in the kitchen with his ex-model partner and suffered a head injury in the attack by the gang.

They stole an unspecified amount of money and jewellery from the tycoon's £7.5 million 50-room Jacobean home.

The men fled across fields near the property at Broughton. All the offenders were wearing balaclavas and dark clothing.

Staffordshire police spokeswoman Faye Casey said no firearms were seen or used during the raid.

"John Caudwell was hit on the forehead with what is believed to be an iron bar. He sustained a one inch gash to his forehead and bruising to his arms.

"He received treatment by paramedics at his home. He has since attended Nuffield Hospital for a check-up."

Police are appealing to anyone who saw any suspicious activity or vehicles in or around Broughton Hall or the surrounding villages on Monday evening to contact them.

An ambulance community first responder was called to the scene by police.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Staffordshire Police on 0300 123 4455, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

Birmingham-born Mr Caudwell, whose wealth is estimated at £1.3 billion set up his phone business in 1987 and by 2003, it employed over 8,000 worldwide and was selling 26 phones every minute.

In September 2006 the Caudwell Group was sold for a £1.46 billion to a private equity firm. He used to open up Broughton Hall for his annual Butterfly Ball in aid of the charity. Celebrities such as Elizabeth Hurley and Bruce Forsyth attended.

Mr Caudwell and Miss Johnson have a son. They also have an apartment in Chelsea and a French chateau.

By John Corser