Family barricade themselves in bedroom during aggravated burglary

A family had to barricade themselves in a bedroom while thieves ransacked their house.

It happened during an aggravated burglary at a house on Industry Road, Falinge, Rochdale, at about 00.15am on Thursday (26 January).

A gang of men forced their way into the house through the back door and one was wielding a knife. Two of the group searched the kitchen and the commotion woke up the homeowner, a 26-year-old man and his seven-year-old daughter, who went to the top of the stairs.

There they saw the third man who was brandishing the knife, who demanded money. Frightened they would be hurt, the homeowner gathered his family together, including a one-year-old baby, and barricaded themselves in the upstairs bedroom.

The offenders continued to search the property but left empty-handed, fleeing in a car parked at the back of a house on Sladen Street.

Police are now appealing to anyone with information to come forward.

Detective Constable Russ Clarke said: "Although nothing was stolen, this in no way diminishes the seriousness of this offence and the seriousness with which we are treating it to find the offenders.

"Clearly it has had a profound effect on the family, particularly the young seven-year-old girl who was woken up and was confronted by a masked man wielding a knife.

"The impact upon the entire family cannot be overestimated so we need to find these men and bring them to justice.

"I would appeal to anyone who either heard or saw something, no matter how minor they think it might be, to come forward and call us. I would implore people to consider how this family and this young girl are feeling right now, and if you know something that might help please do the right thing and come forward."

Anyone with information is asked to call Rochdale CID on 0161 856 4621.