DETECTIVES investigating a violent robbery at the home of an elderly Blackburn couple are chasing fresh clues in the Accrington area.

Three men burst into the couple's home in the Green Lane area and held them hostage while they ransacked the terrace house.

The 78-year-old woman was grabbed around the throat by a man when she answered a knock on the front door. She and her 80-year-old husband then held captive in the sitting room while the house was ransacked.

The raiders also searched the terrified couple before stealing a small amount of cash.

Before fleeing they ripped out the phone line and warned their frightened victims not to raise the alarm.

Det Inspector Tony Harling, who is heading the inquiry, said: "We are making inquiries in the Accrington area but we are still appealing for any information from the public."

Police have appealed for any witnesses who were in the East View Terrace area around 6pm on Monday to contact them.

They are also hoping to trace the owners of a dark green Vauxhall saloon seen speeding away from the area.

The man who attacked the woman was white, in his mid 20s, 5ft 10in, with short cropped hair and a broad build.

He was wearing a red T shirt and beige trousers.

People with information should ring the Crimestoppers line on 0800 555111 or Blackburn police on 01254 51212.

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