The home of veteran entertainer Bruce Forsyth was burgled late on Friday night, resulting in a brutal attack on his housekeeper and the loss of thousands of pounds worth of jewellery.
As Bruce’s wife, former Miss World Wilnelia Merced, 44, and their 15-year-old son JJ – which stands for Jonathan Joseph – slept upstairs, three men broke in to their £4 million pound home on the private Wentworth Estate in Virginia Water, Surrey.
Housekeeper Cora Gumarang crept downstairs to challenge the robbers and was the victim of a vicious attack. Surrey police would not comment on whether Wilnelia and JJ had confronted the thieves, except to say two people received injuries during the incident. Forty-eight-year-old Cora underwent surgery to repair her facial injuries at St Peter’s Hospital in Chertsey on Sunday.
The 73-year-old television star and avid golfer was away watching the British Open Championship in Muirfield, Scotland at the time of the robbery but returned home on Saturday to comfort his wife and son. Bruce said in a statement: “I am deeply shocked and upset by the attack. My wife, son and housekeeper acted with considerable courage but, at this time, I will be making no further comment.”
Detectives believe the burglars did not know the house was owned by Bruce, adding that it was an opportunistic break, not a “targeted” raid on the multi-millionaire entertainer. Among the items stolen were a gold wedding ring and diamond engagement ring.
Detective Chief Inspector Simon Humphreys said officers were studying CCTV footage from the Wentworth Estate in Virginia Water. He said: “These vicious criminals violated a family home and attacked a defenceless women in order to steal. These men must be caught.”
Photo: © Alphapress.com
