A BUSINESSMAN was attacked during a violent robbery at his home and left tied up for 12 hours.

Maurice Nixon, who lives alone, was set on by three men, two wearing masks, outside his home in Mustow Green, near Harvington, on Sunday evening.

They dragged him inside, threatened to shoot him, tied him up and beat him with a crowbar, before stealing an unknown amount of cash and jewellery, said his younger sister Kim Nixon.

His hands, feet and body were bound with cable and he was then tied to the stair-rail of his home.

Mr Nixon, who has lived in the house for more than 10 years, was taken to Worcestershire Royal Hospital, where he is being treated for cuts to his legs, facial injuries and circulatory problems.

His family is now offering a substantial reward for any information which will lead to the arrest and conviction of the offenders.

Ms Nixon said: “We are all extremely upset and very shocked that this could happen and the whole family is devastated. He is a very generous and well-liked member of the community. Everyone is so shocked.”

Mr Nixon, aged 50, a property developer and market operator in charge of Portobello and Spitalfields markets, London, was returning home when the attack happened, although the exact time is unknown.

It is not known how long the three men were there, but Ms Nixon thinks it may have been up to an hour before they left.

Her brother was left tied up overnight and was not found until 9.30am yesterday.

Ms Nixon said: “He had a meeting with somebody this morning who arrived to meet him at the house.

“He went to the door and saw the curtains were drawn and could hear my brother shouting for help.”

A spokesman for north Worcestershire police said officers were investigating the reported robbery.

“Inquiries are still ongoing and the full circumstances are still being ascertained,” he said.

Anyone with information about the incident is urged to contact Kidderminster CID on 0300 3333000 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.