AXE-wielding raiders put a Bacup couple through an ‘horrendous ordeal’ after they burst into the home demanding money and drugs.

Five masked men forced their way into a house in Rochdale Road, just before 10pm on Tuesday, armed with an array of weapons.

The couple, in their 40s, looked on in terror as the intruders searched their home, and eventually left empty-handed.

Detectives from Rossendale CID believe that the couple were the victims of mistaken identity and have launched a hunt for the gang.

The gang fled the home shortly afterwards and are thought to have left the area in a car, possibly parked in Rockcliffe Road.

Det Con Leanne Lyons said two dog walkers, seen in the area at the time, could hold vital clues about the incident, which is being treated as aggravated burglary.

She said: “Up to five masked men went into the property, demanding money and cannabis. They searched the property and held the occupants at knifepoint.

“All of the gang were believed to be carrying weapons including axes, a knife and a screwdriver. Luckily no-one was seriously hurt.

“But the victims had a horrendous ordeal and feared for their lives. The gang is thought to have left through the back door and along a path which leads to steps up to Rockcliffe Road, where they may have got into a car.”

The gang members were all wearing dark clothing and wore balaclavas or scarves tied around their faces.

One man, thought to be a ringleader, had a plastic US president style mask.

Detectives are appealing for anyone who saw anything in the immediate area, from Rochdale Road to Rockcliffe Road, and possibly including nearby Market Street and adjoining roads, on Tuesday night.

Just before 3pm yesterday police raided a second home at 115 Rochdale Road, in relation to the investigation. No-one was arrested but enquiries are continuing.

The next door neighbours of the victims said: "They've been left really shaken up next door.

"It’s awful and we understand there were a lot of men who entered the house.

"We often get our cars damaged at night by people walking past, but this is just terrible."