A 56-year-old man was confronted by two intruders at his Rossendale home, according to police.

The householder chased the pair from his kitchen, in Newchurch Road, Newchurch, and managed to catch up with one of them at the junction with Staghills Road.

Police say a white VW Golf car then pulled up and a third man got out and threatened the victim.

The two burglars then got into the car and were driven off, having taken the victim's car keys.

Two off-duty police officers,cycling past, attempted to intervene, according to police.

But the BMW ran over one of the officer's bike while racing away from the scene. The car was later found abandoned in Littleborough.

Detectives believe that the incident,which took place around 5pm, may have been recorded by passers-by on their mobile phones and they have appealed for anyone with footage to come forward.

Det Con Tom Halliwell, of the East Burglary Team, said: "This was a terrifying ordeal for this individual and I would urge anyone who has any information to contact us so we can trace these offenders, who are clearly prepared to threaten violence."

One of the offenders is described as 5ft 10ins, thin, with a gaunt face and short brown hair, aged in his late teens or early 20s and wearing jeans and a waist length jacket.

The other is described as 5ft 7ins tall with a chubby face, aged in his teens, wearing jeans and a hoody. No description has been issued for the third man.

Anyone with information should contact police on 01282 472507 or the non-emergency number 101 quoting log number 1085 of April 6, or independent charity Crimestoppers, in confidence, on 0800 555 111.