An armed trio threatened homeowners before stealing firearms and jewellery in Hale yesterday evening.
Three men – armed with a hammer and baseball bat – smashed through the rear patio door before threatening a 49-year-old man and a 40-year-old woman in a property on South Down Road.
The men threatened the victims and forced them to remove their jewellery before demanding firearms – which the homeowners were fully licensed to own.
The robbers then fled from the address with a quantity of stolen jewellery – including wedding rings and watches – and five firearms.
Officers attended and an area search was carried out with the support of the police helicopter and police dogs but no arrests have been made.
Enquiries are ongoing and police are appealing for the public’s help to trace the offenders.
Detective Inspector Dave Jones, of GMP’s Trafford district, said: “A family were subjected to a terrifying ordeal in their own home at the hands of these men and we’re determined to find those responsible.
“There were three young children in the property at the time and clearly this incident could easily have had devastating consequences, but thankfully no-one was injured.
“I understand the concern that this incident will cause and want to assure the community that we don’t believe there to be any wider threat and there will be an increased police presence in the area throughout the coming days.
“We are working to piece together the circumstances surrounding this burglary and would encourage any members of the public with information or any witnesses to get in touch as soon as possible.”
