Masked men in ‘terrifying’ Oswaldtwistle raid (From Blackburn Citizen)

Masked men in ‘terrifying’ Oswaldtwistle raid

9:20am Friday 4th January 2013 in Hyndburn

MASKED men with baseball bats barged their way into an Oswaldtwistle house, leaving the occupants ‘traumatised’.

Police said three men in forced their way into the property, in New Lane, at 6.30pm on Wednesday.

The two occupants, a man and a woman, both 23, were left shocked but were unharmed.

The front door was also damaged.

Officers are now appealing for anybody who might have any information about the incident to come forward.

The three offenders are understood to have been near to the Black Dog pub, in Union Road, around the time of the offence.

They were wearing face coverings when they entered the house.

They asked where a man was but the occupants did not know.

Detective Sergeant Julie Cross said: “This was quite clearly a traumatic incident for all persons involved and we are trying to trace anybody who has any information what may lead us to identify the persons responsible for this offence.

“We believe this house has been deliberately targeted but despite them damaging the door there was nothing stolen.

Anyone with any information should call Lancashire Police on 101. Or they can call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or via Crimestoppers-uk.org.