Elderly couple menaced by robbers

The incident occurred at 7pm on Sunday in the affluent area of north Collingham, Leeds, between the A58 Main Street and Linton Road.

The robbery started when the woman heard a knock at the front door and was confronted by three men who claimed there was something wrong with the couple's car.

As she turned to get her car keys she was bundled into the hallway.

At this point, her 82-year-old husband was also threatened before the house was searched and jewellery taken.

The suspects, who are all thought to be in their early to mid-20s, were described as well-built and wearing dark clothing and balaclavas. They fled are thought to have made off towards the Linton Road area.

Police are appealing for anyone who may have seen anyone unusual in Collingham on Sun.day evening.

Detective Inspector Paul Conroy, who is leading the investigation, said: "This was a nasty, targeted attacked on an elderly couple in what is normally a quiet part of West Yorkshire.

"Fortunately both victims were not seriously injured during the robbery but they have been left understandably shaken by the incident.

"There is a tight-knit community around Collingham and I would ask those living locally to get in touch with us if they saw anything suspicious on Sunday evening, no matter how insignificant they may consider it to be."

Anyone with information is asked to contact Killingbeck CID on 0845 60 60 606 or call Crimestoppers anonymously and in confidence on: 0800 555 111.

Towards the end of last year residents were left feeling vulnerable after more than 12 homes were burgled on Linton Lane, The Ridge, Muddy Lane, Spofforth Hill and some houses in nearby Collingham.

The burglaries took place over a three-week period and were believed to have been carried out by a gang from Harrogate.