A SECURITY guard today told of the horrific moment he was tied, gagged and beaten up by a gang of masked raiders on his second day at work.The 24-year-old, who had only just started working at the Climax Molybdenum site, off Needham Road in Stowmarket, was one of two men overpowered by eight thieves.

A SECURITY guard today told of the horrific moment he was tied, gagged and beaten up by a gang of masked raiders on his second day at work.

The 24-year-old, who had only just started working at the Climax Molybdenum site, off Needham Road in Stowmarket, was one of two men overpowered by eight thieves.

Around 20 tonnes of valuable metal alloy was taken in the swoop, which happened about 10pm on Saturday.

Today the young father, from Stowmarket, relived his terrifying ordeal. Along with his 21-year-old colleague, from Ipswich, he was tied up for around an hour while the goods were loaded on to a lorry.

He said: “We'd just finished our round when I heard a noise. I came out of the building and looked to the right and there were a few lads there.

“They saw me and I heard someone say 'get him' and one of the lads came at me with a bar. There was a bit of wrestling around and it ended with them getting both of us. We got blindfolded, gagged and threatened with our lives. We were kicked, punched, slapped and kicked. One of the blokes forced his finger in my eye.

“It took them about an hour to fill the lorry. I could hear what was going on. About one hour after that we untied ourselves and got out. As soon as I was free I went looking for them. Then I rang the police and then the security firm.”

The security guard, who did not want to be named, said he has gone through a mixture of emotions since the incident.

”I was just dazed when it first happened,” he said.

“I didn't know what was going on. I just thought it was a joke. I couldn't believe it when I saw eight men, especially as they were wearing balaclavas and armed to the teeth with things like metal bars and a shovel.

“I was worried about my mate's safety more than my own because he's younger than me. What blew it out of all proportion was the fact that we caught them. That messed up their plans.

“They tied me up with my own belt, wire and duck tape. At the end I felt scared but to start with I was more angry.”

The security guard received hospital treatment after suffering a bump to his head and bruises across the collar bone, although he plans to return to work this week.

He said: “My boss said I can have longer off if I want but I'm not going to let this beat me. I've got family and I need to get back to work. For this to happen on my second night in the job is ridiculous.

”I just want to find out who these people are. They could be anyone, I just don't know. I've got kids and I don't want them being brought into it.

”I can't sleep at the moment. It is worrying.”

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call Suffolk police on 01473 613500 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.