ARMED officers were called after three men forced their way into a house and threatened two women at knifepoint.

Police said a woman answered the door of a house in Stockbridge Road, Padiham and was confronted by three men, with their faces covered.

They threatened her and demanded money, with one of them was brandishing a knife.

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The woman was then pushed back through the front door and forced into the kitchen. One of the men again demanded cash and searched through the kitchen drawers.

Officers said one of the gang also went upstairs into a bedroom where he confronted a man and woman, demanding money and threatening the woman with a knife.

The men then escaped on foot with a handbag, which is believed to have been empty Armed officers, the police helicopter, police dogs and neighbourhood policing teams were called and conducted a substantial search of the area on Monday evening.

The men are thought to have hidden in woodland or the Leeds Liverpool Canal to evade capture and police yesterday confirmed two men are still on the run.

Last night a 24-year-old man from Burnley arrested on suspicion of aggravated assault was being quizzed by officers.

Residents yesterday spoke of their shock at the incident, which happened at 6.10pm.

Neighbour Craig Allen, 34, said: “It shouldn’t be happening on any street, never mind my street. I have got kids and that’s my main concern. It’s getting worse around here.”

Another resident said: “My son rang me and said he saw something on Facebook and asked me if I was all right. I had seen the police but I didn’t know what happened.

“I saw the flashing blue lights and a lady with a dog talking to the police.

“But this kind of thing happens everywhere, doesn’t it? I’m not surprised in this day and age.”

Another resident said: “It’s a pretty close community around here. I hope they soon catch them.”

A police spokeswoman said: “Any witnesses or anyone with information is asked to call police via 101, quoting incident reference number 1190 of 17 August. Alternatively call Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.”