ARMED burglars forced their way into a family home in Bowdon and subjected its occupants to a night of terror at knife-point.

The masked intruders broke into the home in Wolsey Drive around 9.40pm on Monday, May 28 and threatened the family with a machete and a hammer as they ransacked the home.

The offenders wore balaclavas and ordered the family to hand over cash and jewellery.

They stole a number of expensive items of jewellery including designer watches, bracelets and rings, as well as designer sunglasses and bags. Some of the items of jewellery had sentimental value.

The family were left deeply shaken by the robbery.

Detective Sergeant Sohail Ahmed of GMP’s Trafford Division said: “These offenders subjected an innocent family to a terrifying ordeal.

“We are following a number of lines of enquiry and we are appealing for the public to help us catch these dangerous criminals.

“Did you see anything suspicious in the area at the time of the offence?

"Even a small detail may be enough to help bring the perpetrators to justice.”

A Freedom of Information request by The Messenger revealed that the total value of property stolen in burglaries in Trafford in 2017 was £4,280,942.68.

Anyone with information should call police on 0161 856 7655 or the independent charity, Crimestoppers, anonymously on 0800 555 111.