THREE ‘despicable and cowardly’ robbers burst into the home of a pensioner, threw her against a wall and ripped gold chains from her neck and wrists.

The 68-year-old victim was ambushed in her bedroom by the armed gang, who had forced their way into the rear of the semi-detached property.

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Detectives said after overpowering the victim and covering her mouth, the men ransacked the room and helped themselves to £10,000 of ‘Asian heritage gold’.

The victim’s 35-year-old son said he feared his mother may have been targeted.

He said: “They prised open the kitchen window with screwdrivers and climbed through.

“My mum told me that they came upstairs and found her in the bedroom, she was so scared.

“One of them put her in a headlock and restrained her as they ransacked the room.

“He took bracelets from her wrists and chains from her neck.

“He also covered her mouth with his hand so she couldn’t call out while the others went through the drawers in the room and picked out the jewellery.

“They have taken gold items including, bracelets, rings, chains and necklaces.

“They are worth around £10,000.

“They were in there for a couple of minutes.

“As they were about to go she was thrown to the floor at the side of the bed and as she fell she struck the side of her head on the wall.

“She has bruising and a big lump on her head.”

Officers said the raid happened in Bank Lane, Intack shortly after 7.30pm on Tuesday.

The victim’s family said the stolen jewellery had been in the family for many years and had sentimental value after been passed down from relatives.

The son said: “I think these desperate people have targeted her.

“It’s horrible to think that people will just break in like this even with the doors locked.

“It’s been very upsetting for her and all our family but we are looking after her.

“It’s fortunate she wasn’t more seriously injured.”

Neighbours said they were shocked to hear about the raid.

Bill Thompson, 61, of nearby Shadsworth Road, said: “What’s it coming to when your not safe in your own home?

“I saw the police outside last night so knew something had happened.

“I just hope these men are caught and locked up before they do something like this again.”

The man who assaulted the victim was described as white, aged 20 to 22, slim, with a thin face and trimmed beard.

He was wearing a dark coat and either had his hood up or was wearing a hat.

The other two offenders were described as white, aged between 27 and 31, and were wearing dark clothing and hats.

Officer said they may have been walking up and down Bank Lane prior to the incident.

DS Mel Kelly said: “This was a despicable and cowardly incident where a woman has been targeted in her own home and robbed of her jewellery which is of great sentimental value.

“She has been left very shaken by what has happened and an investigation is underway to find the three intruders.

“We know that a member of the public was walking past the house at the time of the incident and may have witnessed what happened.

“If you are that man, we are very keen to hear from you and we would urge you to come forward as soon as possible.

“Similarly, we want to hear from anyone who was in the area at the time and may have seen these three men in the area.”

Officers urged people to keep valuables in a safe bolted to a floor or wall and make sure they have the appropriate insurance cover.

Anyone with information should call police on 101.