A ROBBER held a young family at knifepoint after conning his way into their home.

The incident took place more than a week ago but police have only just released full details and appealing for information.

The man locked the 28-year-old woman and her two children in a back room and then ransacked their home before escaping with property worth just under £2,000.

The robbery took place shortly after 11am on Friday, May 28, in Lynwood Road in the Revidge area of Blackburn.

The man called at the house claiming to be a water board official but when he got inside he produced a knife with a five-inch blade.

He ordered the woman to hand over valuables and when she refused he grabbed her by the hair and threw her to the floor then forced her and the children into a back room and locked them in while he ransacked the house.

He took £130 in cash cameras and jewellery. Finally, he pulled the phone from the wall and escaped over a garden wall. Detective Inspector Tony Harling of Blackburn CID said: "The man who did this is obviously dangerous and prepared to use violence.,

"It is essential that this person is apprehended as soon as possible to protect the public.

The robber is white, 6ft, of medium build, is in his late 20s or early 30s, and has a round face and large brown eyes.

He was wearing a distinctive black hat with side flaps, black short zipped jacket with side pockets and black trousers. He was also carrying a black briefcase.

The knife had a black/brown handle and a five-inch serrated blade which was bent at the end.

Police are appealing for anyone who was in the area at the time of the robbery and saw anything suspicious to contact them on 01254 51212 or the Crimestoppers line on 0800 555111.

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