PM's adviser handcuffed in raid

PM's adviser handcuffed in raid

Lord Levy and his wife Gilda were not seriously injured

The prime minister's adviser on the Middle East, Lord Levy, was handcuffed and assaulted in a burglary at his home in north London.

The millionaire and his wife, Gilda, were attacked by three burglars who are believed to have escaped with cash and jewellery from the house.

Lord Levy, 58, was reportedly hit over the head with a shovel during the raid at his Mill Hill mansion on Saturday evening.

He appeared to have a bandaged wrist as he told reporters he and his wife were recovering on Wednesday.

The peer is a close personal friend and tennis partner of Tony Blair, and was one of New Labour's chief fund raisers.

'No serious injuries'

A Scotland Yard spokeswoman confirmed a violent burglary had taken place at an address in north London but would not confirm the identity of the victims.

"No firearms or other weapons were seen. The suspects used some violence against the victims but neither suffered any serious injuries," she said.

"The suspects escaped with a safe from the house. It is not known exactly what was stolen but it is thought that jewellery and cash has gone."

Lord Levy is one of a number of new peers created since Labour was elected in 1997.