A British businessman was beaten with hammers by masked intruders who broke into his home and threatened to kill his heavily pregnant wife unless he handed over hundreds of thousands of pounds worth of cryptocurrency.

The couple, who have asked to remain anonymous, told the BBC that the attack was “horrific” and left them fearing for the life of their unborn child.

Police are investigating the incident, which took place at the couple’s home in Solihull in December last year. Crimestoppers is offering a £10,000 reward for information leading to those responsible.

The attack is being described as a so-called “wrench attack” — a form of physical coercion increasingly associated with cryptocurrency holders, in which criminals target…