A COUPLE endured a terrifying ordeal when up to five masked men burst into their home armed with a weapon.

Cleveland Police were called to a secluded house in Thorpe Road, Carlton village near Stockton just before 10pm last night.

The heist sparked a major response involving armed officers, the dog unit and police helicopter.

A spokeswoman for Cleveland Police said police attended an address where a couple in their late 60 live.

“Officers believe they are looking for up to five men who attended the address wearing masks and threatened the elderly couple with a weapon, which is not believed to be a gun,” she added. “An investigation into an aggravated burglary is ongoing. No one was injured during the incident.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact DS Stuart Hodgson at Stockton Major Crime Team on 01642-302226 or the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800-555111