A Night of Terror: Masked Men Invade Charlotte Crosby’s Home

Things took a horrifying turn for Charlotte Crosby and her family on the evening of November 21, 2024. Four masked men, one carrying a machete, burst into their Sunderland home in what police are calling an aggravated burglary attempt. What makes this ordeal even more chilling? Crosby is almost eight months pregnant, with her fiancé Jake Ankers and their two-year-old daughter, Alba Jean, inside at the time.

The couple’s luxury £1 million house in Houghton-le-Spring, normally a peaceful family haven, suddenly became the scene of chaos. According to Jake, the men made it inside the property and one, wearing a glaring red balaclava, stood at the top of the stairs gripping a machete. It was the kind of moment nobody ever wants to face—especially with a pregnant partner and toddler indoors.

Jake Ankers didn’t hesitate. As the suspects moved through the house, he chased them out, putting his own safety at risk to protect his family. The would-be burglars bolted before the police could arrive, leaving little behind other than a shaken household—and some disturbing memories.

Police, specifically Durham Constabulary, quickly responded to the scene. Officers confirmed that despite the sheer terror the suspects caused, nobody was physically harmed and nothing was taken from the home. Still, the ordeal has left the family seriously rattled. Law enforcement is actively investigating, appealing to the public for any witness statements or CCTV footage that could help catch those responsible.

Crosby and Ankers: A Family Shaken—but Safe

Crosby and Ankers: A Family Shaken—but Safe

Charlotte, at 34, is no stranger to the spotlight. Known for her wild *Geordie Shore* days and winning run on *Celebrity Big Brother*, she’s built a new image as a reality star, host, and proud mum. Only a year ago, she and Jake became engaged, not long after the birth of their daughter Alba Jean. Now, with another baby girl due in January, their focus was meant to be on joy and anticipation—not fear and police reports.

After the break-in, Jake took to Instagram to reassure friends, family, and thousands of followers, making it clear that nobody was hurt and calling out for help in bringing the suspects to justice. Images of armed, masked strangers invading a family home are the stuff of nightmares, especially when young children and an expectant mother are involved. The community around Houghton-le-Spring is on edge, with neighbors shaken by the thought that this could easily have happened to anyone living nearby.

Sunderland has seen its share of break-ins, but an incident this brazen—targeting a high-profile family well-known in the area—has ramped up concerns about local safety. Detectives are sifting through evidence and reviewing neighborhood security footage in hopes of finding any clues that could identify the gang. They’re urging anyone who saw suspicious activity or who might know something about the attack to come forward.

This attempted break-in is a reminder that no family, no matter how famous or private, is immune to crime. For Crosby, Jake, and little Alba, it’s a case of unthinkable danger averted—but the memory of masked men and a machete at their stairway is likely to haunt them for a long time.