A Bermudian-based reinsurance executive has suffered “life-changing” injuries after being shot in the leg during a robbery at his home in the British suburbs.

Timothy Mardon, division president at ACE Tempest Re Bermuda, was at his home in the village of Sible Hedingham, Essex, when two men broke in the early hours of Saturday.

Police were called to the property at 4.40am and arrived to find Mr Mardon had suffered a serious gunshot wound to the leg. The suspects had escaped by the time officers arrived.

He is in hospital receiving treatment while police carry out forensic searches and house-to-house inquiries.

Investigating officer Detective Sergeant Mark Cadd said that the burglars had threatened Mr Mardon after forcing entry into the house.

He added: “He locked himself in a bedroom, and it is believed a gun was then fired through the door injuring him.

“The two men have then fled from the property and at this time it is not believed that anything has been taken.

“The two suspects are both white, aged in their 20s, of slim build and wearing dark clothing. One of them is described as bald.

“This was an extremely distressing incident for the victim and he has suffered life-changing injuries which have left him in great pain.”

According to his biography on the Ace Tempest Re Bermuda website, Mr Mardon moved to Bermuda from London in 1996.

He is married to Sarah, board director for the Eliza DoLittle Society charity in Hamilton.