A JEWELLERY dealer has offered a £5,000 reward for the recovery of several thousands of pounds worth of gems stolen in a robbery at a house in Whitefield.

The businessman, who wants to remain anonymous, has told police he will also pay the reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the offenders.

A mother and her eight-year-old daughter were tied up in a bedroom when two masked men entered their home in Sergeants Lane at 8.30am last Thursday (April 26).

The men searched the house and stole a large quantity of diamond encrusted gold jewellery, including bracelets, necklaces, rings and earrings.

The 38-year-old mum managed to free herself and alert the police.

Scene of crime officers were called to the house with dog handlers who searched the surrounding area.

Detectives are keen to speak to anyone who saw any vehicles in the Sergeants Lane area at about the time of the raid or two men.

The first thief was white, 5ft 5ins tall, stocky, in his 50s and wearing a woolly hat. His accomplice was also white, 5ft 9ins tall, slim and in his early 20s.

Anyone with information should contact Whitefield CID on 856 8248 or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.