AN APPEAL has been launched after five men stole an Audi S3 from a property using a firearm and a machete.

Police were called to a report of an armed robbery at a property in Greenlea in Hartlepool yesterday, Tuesday January 14, at 8.30pm.

It was reported that five men entered the property, threatened the occupants with a firearm and a machete and then left the scene in an Audi S3 vehicle belonging to the victims.

The men were all wearing balaclavas and were also driving a Ford Mondeo.

No one was injured as a result of the incident.

Firearms officers were deployed at the time of the incident and officers from Northumbria and Durham Police assisted in searches for the stolen vehicle.

The Mondeo, belonging to the suspects was recovered in Durham.

Enquiries are still ongoing and officers are appealing for anyone with information regarding the men responsible or information regarding the incident to contact Cleveland Police on 101 quoting 007638.

Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111 or crimestoppers-uk.org.