Door forced and car stolen

A car has been stolen after three men forced their way into a home in Middleton.

At around 10.20pm on Friday 29 June 2012, a 47-year-old man and 49-year-old woman were in the living room of their home on Whitegates Road when the men kicked the front door and forced their way in.

One of the men was armed with a machete.

Both victims hid in the kitchen while the men stole car keys to an Audi S4.

As they were about to leave the house, the woman followed them and was assaulted by the man holding the machete.

They then drove off and the car was later found on Cecil Street, Bury.

The man holding the machete was wearing a hooded top and balaclava.

The second wore a hooded jacket that was light on the top half and had a black emblem on the left side.

The third man wore a dark hooded top that was lighter on the body and had darker sleeves. He also wore tracksuit bottoms and trainers.

Detective Constable Russ Clarke from Rochdale CID: “This was a terrifying incident for both occupants who have been left severely shaken. The woman was left with minor injuries and both victims feared for their lives as they were unsure whether they would be attacked with the machete.

“I would ask anyone who either saw the men leave the house and drive off or abandon the car on Cecil Street to contact us as soon as possible.”

Anyone with information should phone police on 0161 856 4621 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously on 0800 555 111.