BALACLAVA-CLAD robbers burst into a Blackburn home before demanding cash and gold, police said.

Officers said the 40-year-old victim was punched and kicked in the stomach by the attackers who threatened him with a crowbar after pushing their way into his home, in Ambleside Close.

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After removing the CCTV from the house, the robbers forced the man to stay in his attic so they could getaway without being challenged.

They got away with a significant amount of gold and the CCTV hard drive, police said.

A police investigation into the attack, which happened around 5.40pm on January 15, has now been launched.

Detectives are appealing for anybody who might have witnessed the robbery or hold information that could help them with their inquiries to get in touch.

Both thieves were described as being about 5ft 10ins.

However, one is being described a stocky and the other one slim. Both were wearing dark tops and balaclavas.

DC Mark Hutchinson, from Blackburn CID, said he thought the victim had been deliberately targeted.

He said: “We believe that this was a targeted attack and I would like to reassure local residents that we are doing all we can to find these two men.

“Understandably the victim has been left very shaken by this incident and is devastated that gold of very high sentimental value was taken.

“I urge anyone who has any information about this to come forward .

“I am keen to speak to anyone who may have seen anything suspicious in the area at the time, particularly if they witnessed anyone on Peter Street as well as Ambleside Close.”

The victim was on his own in the house at the time of the attack.

Officers said he wasn’t injured, but has been left shaken by the incident.

Councillor Zamir Khan, who represents the Audley ward and is a former mayor of Blackburn with Darwen, said he was shocked that something so violent could happen in the area.

He said: “It is really horrible to hear about this sort of thing.

“I offer all of my best wishes to this man.

“I would urge any members of the public who might be able to help the police to give the information to them.”

Anybody with information should contact police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.