A MASKED gang burst into a house where a woman and child were present and threatened a man with a shotgun.

Detectives are appealing for information following the aggravated burglary which happened at a house in Halifax Road, Nelson, at 6.45pm on Monday.

Police said three men all wearing balaclavas forced their way into the house and demanded money from a 35-year-old man. One of the burglars was carrying a shotgun but police have confirmed no-one was physically harmed.

The group searched the house before leaving the area in a white van. It is unclear whether anything was taken.

Det Con Hannah Tofalos said: “An investigation is underway following an aggravated burglary in Nelson.

“The offenders made off in a white van down Halifax Road.

“We are appealing for any witnesses who may have been in the area at the time and seen a white van, or anything suspicious, to get in touch.

"We also want to speak to anyone who was driving in the area around the time of the offence and might have dashcam footage of the van described."

Anyone with information can contact police on 101 quoting log number 1129 of November 19.