MASKED thieves forced their way into a Timperley home and assaulted the occupant before stealing a high-powered Mercedes off the driveway.

Up to three men in balaclavas broke entered the house in Attwood Road at around 1.10am on Thursday, July 30 and stole the keys to the vehicle.

Two of the thieves were described as being about 5ft 8in tall, the third 6ft. All were wearing balaclavas and one was wearing a balaclava with a white skull on it.

All three were wearing gloves and dark clothing.

Detective Sergeant Lee Attenborough said: "The occupants are clearly traumatised by what has happened and it is vital we find the men responsible for this violent break-in.

"In particular, I would appeal to anyone who might have seen a black Mercedes being driven either erratically or at high-speeds in the area to come forward and speak to us.

"If we can trace the whereabouts of the car it might lead us to the culprits, so I would urge people to come forward.

"I also want to hear from anyone who suspects they know who might be involved or who may have sold a balaclava with a white skull on to someone recently as again this could be crucial information."

Police are now appealing to anyone with information to come forward.

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.