AN elderly couple were trussed up in their own home by masked raiders who burst in to ransack the house.

The man and wife, aged 83 and 71 respectively, were at their home in South Park Road, Harrogate, when a gang of three men broke in.

They tied the couple up and stole around £200 in cash and some jewellery before fleeing from the scene.

Two of the men were wearing masks and hoods to cover their faces. The third man was not seen by the victims.

The terrifying raid happened sometime between 6.15pm and 7pm on Tuesday, January 20 and once the men had fled, the victims managed to untie themselves and contact their daughter who called the police.

The couple suffered minor injuries to their hands and wrists in the incident but did not need hospital treatment..

Officers are appealing to anyone who saw any suspicious activity in the area to get in touch.

Detective Inspector Bill Burns said: “Fortunately, the victims in this incident were not seriously hurt, however they have been left shaken by the experience.

“I am urging the public to get in touch if they have any information which can help our enquiries.”

He added: “I would like to remind residents that this kind of incident is unusual in North Yorkshire but to remain vigilant and report anything suspicious to the police.”

Contact North Yorkshire Police on 101, select option two and ask for Harrogate CID or Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555111.