THREE masked men forced their way into the home of ex-Corrie star Ken Morley and tied up his wife before making off with a haul of jewellery.

Mr Morley, who played supermarket manager Reg Holdsworth, was not at his Chorley home at the time of the raid.

His wife Sue had let their dogs out into the rear garden of the property in Clayton-le-Woods at around 8.30pm on Friday when the men appeared. They spoke with Irish accents and were wearing balaclavas, gloves and dark clothing.

The burglars bound Mrs Morley's wrists and ankles with cable tie and demanded to know where they could find money, jewellery and the safe.

After conducting a search of the property they made off with a quantity of jewellery.

Mrs Morley managed to loosen the ties and got a neighbour to alert police. She is said to be shocked but unharmed.

DI Neil Haworth, Chorley police, said: "This address was not specifically targeted due to it being the home of Mr and Mrs Morley. I am anxious for anyone who may have seen anything suspicious around Preston Road and Watkin Road to get in touch."

Information to 01772 614444 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0845 555 111.