AN ELDERLY couple was left "extremely shaken" after masked robbers smashed into their Boothstown home to steal jewellery and money.

Three masked men forced their way into the couple’s home on Vicars Hall Gardens in Boothstown.

They smashed through the patio door before one robber held the couple in their bathroom whilst the other two men ransacked their home.

A quantity of cash and sentimental Chinese jewellery was stolen and a significant amount of damage was caused to the property.

The stolen jewellery included a pair of peony flower Chinese gold earrings, square-cute diamond white gold earrings, white gold and white freshwater pear earrings and a man’s Chinese yellow gold necklace.

Six gold necklaces, two yellow ladies’ gold bracelets, two antique silver Hong Kong coins and 20 commemorative Jubilee coins were also taken.

Although shaken, the victims were not physically injured.

Detective Constable Jim Wakeley said: “I am truly horrified at how this elderly couple were victimised in their own home, the place they should feel safe.

“Thankfully the victims weren’t injured but they have been left extremely shaken by this and I would like to appeal to anyone that may have any information that could assist our investigation to please come forward.

“The jewellery that was stolen is of huge sentimental value to the couple and we are working hard to recover it for them. It is very distinctive looking and I would urge anyone that happens to come in to contact with any jewellery that they believe could be connected to this incident to please get in touch.

“I would also ask anyone who saw people acting suspiciously in the area around the time of the robbery to please get in touch.”

Anyone with any information should call police on 101, quoting reference number 1976 of 30.10.17, or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.