A FAMILY were put through a terrifying ordeal when a gang of masked men burst into their home wielding a crowbar.

The four balaclava-clad thugs threatened the family and stole expensive jewellery and five shotguns during the tea-time raid at the North Yorkshire property.

The offenders, described as men of Asian appearance, then fled from the scene in the family’s white Porsche 911 - which was later found abandoned nearby.

The incident happened at about 5.15pm on Friday, December 6, at a house in the High Birstwith area near Harrogate.

Officers are appealing to anyone who saw any suspicious people or vehicles in the village or the surrounding area around the time of the incident to get in touch.

Detective Inspector Andrea Kell said: "A young family were left traumatised after these offenders burst into their home wearing balaclavas and threatening them with a crowbar at around teatime on Friday evening.

“The stolen firearms could be dangerous should they fall into the wrong hands, so it is important that anyone who knows where they are or who as got them comes forward as soon as possible.”

She added: “Such crimes are fortunately rare in North Yorkshire so I would appeal to anyone with any information to come forward.”

Anyone who is offered any jewellery items or shotguns for sale in suspicious circumstances is also urged to contact the police or Crimestoppers with information.

Contact North Yorkshire Police on 101, select option two and ask for Harrogate CID. Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800-555-111.