Machete-wielding invaders threaten couple in their own home

A husband and wife were confronted by thieves wielding a machete during a terrifying robbery at their home in Rochdale.

The gang struck at the couple's home on Stubley Mill Road in Littleborough at about midnight on 29 May 2014.

The man, 53, and his wife, 46, were in their bedroom upstairs when three masked thieves used a stone from the garden to smash their way into the house via the conservatory.

In desperation, the couple locked their bedroom door to keep the offenders from getting into their room, but the gang repeatedly kicked at the door until they forced it open.

One of the thieves was brandishing a machete.

They demanded the couple's car keys and also stole a Tag Heuer Aqua Racer watch worth £2,500. They then escaped by stealing both cars belonging to the couple - a blue Audi S3 and a black BMW 330 - driving off towards Littleborough town centre.

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

Detective Constable Donna Rollinson said: "Unless you yourself have been through such a traumatic ordeal, it would be almost impossible to describe how this couple are feeling right now.

"Clearly, they were both extremely frightened and upset to be confronted by three men carrying a machete in what should be the sanctity and privacy of their own hope. The only saving grace is that they themselves were not physically injured although the emotional ordeal they have been through is tremendous.

"The only real peace of mind we can give this couple is to find not only their stolen property and reunite them with what is rightfully theirs, but also find the culprits and put them behind bars.

"I would appeal to anyone who has information about this robbery to come forward.

"In particular, I would like to hear from anyone who has seen an Audi S3 or black BMW 330 being driven around the local area either at high speeds or erratically. Alternatively, if you have been offered these cars for sale - or the expensive watch itself - from anyone other than a reputable or licenced dealer then please call us as your information could help us catch these cowards."

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.