The Sun. — 1862-05-16 (London, England)

TRANMERE.  Yesterday afternoon a case of housebreaking oc- curred at Lower Tranulere, accompanied with daring impudence and brutality on the part of the thieves not often heard of in that locality. About half-past 3 o'clock, a lady who resides in a house not far from the railway noticed three men lounging about near the residence of Mr. Arthur, one of the Sea Bank villas, and was induced to watch them. She saw one of these men proceed to the rear of the premises, and enter by the back door, and shortly afterwards the two other men, who had remained in the front of the house, entered by the front door, Thinking there was something suspicious in this, she sent her daughter across to the house of Mr. Edward Cords, joiner and builder, whose residence is in the immediate vicinity of Mr. Arthur's, and to whom Sea Bank Villas belong.. On hearing what had taken place, Mr. Corns at once went to the house in question, and found the _three men in the sitting room. The moment Mr. Cords made his appearance the fellows pretended to be bailiffs come to " take possession," and one of them took out a book and began writing, as though he was taking an ni inventory. Mr. Cor s nquired their business there and offered to give them every or any information they required. The scoundrels made no reply, but taking life-preservers from their pockets, they made a murderous assault on the unfortunate gentleman, beating him about the head and face most unmercifully. He shouted murder with all his might, and fortunately for him his cries were heard by some of his workmen and the neighbours, who rushed to the rescue. Finding they were in danger, the cowardly assailants beat a retreat, running in different directions. Two of them bolted from the house by the front door across the adjoining fields, pursued by the workmen and other people, who raised a hue and cry that attracted general attention. Several of the county police were on duty in the neighbourhood at the time, and joined in the pursuit. One of the housebreakers was apprehended by police officer No. 110 (Potts) in the Old Chester-road, and another by No. 198 (Jas. Oakes) at the corner of Queen-street. The third man made his exit by the back door of Mr. Arthur's house, and succeeded in effecting his escape. The police made every exertion to capture him, but up to a late hour last night they had not been successful. Assistance was rendered to Mr, Corris as soon as possible. He was found covered with blood, and we regret to state that he has sustained great injury —a severe contused wound on the left side of the head, another contused wound on the shoulder, and others on various parts of the body; and he has lost a considerable quantity of blood. Dr. Gorst and other medical gentlemen were speedily in attendance upon him, and it is satisfactory to know that no immediate danger is anticipated. It seems that at the time their house was entered Mr. and Mrs. Arthur had gone from home, and shortly after they left the servant also went out, so that it is evident the scoundrels had been lounging about in the vicinity, and had watched for an opportunity of committing the depredation unmolested by the inmates. Though they had been but a few minutes in the house they had ransacked a portion of it, and carried off a quantity of jewellery, which they dropped in their flight, and it was taken possession of by the police. The two captured men were conveyed to the county lock-up, where they still remain. They are respectably dressed, but they are no doubt well acquainted with this kind of business. A number of skeleton keys were found upon one of them, we understand. They refuse to give their names. The life preservers with which they attacked Mr. Cords are in the hands of the police. —Liverpool Mercury.