Three arrested over brutal villa robbery, gang leader sought

(ANSA) - Lanciano, September 26 - Three suspects were arrested and their leader sought on Wednesday in relation to a brutal robbery at the home of a couple in the central province of Chieti at the weekend, sources said. The man, a well-known surgeon, suffered head injuries due to multiple punches, while the robbers cut the ear of his wife.
    The three suspects, Romanian nationals, were captured as they were seeking to get away, allegedly in the same car as the one used in the raid on the couple's home.
    They had 3,400 euros with them in cash, the sources said.
    Police said they were now seeking the alleged gang leader, who was "perhaps a Puglian", according to the victim of a previous brutal robbery, Massimiliano Delle Vigne.
    Another previous victim, accountant Domenico Iezzi, told police he "could perhaps identify them if they were presented to me".
    The latest victims, Doctor Carlo Martelli said he and his wife Niva Bazzan were "calmer" after the arrests.
    Interior Minister Matteo Salvini said "these beasts should rot in jail".