TWO burglars carrying hammers entered a house at night and ripped jewellery from their victim's neck.

Detectives are appealing for witnesses and CCTV footage following the aggravated burglary in Burnley.

At around 9.30pm on Saturday (October 30), two men wearing balaclavas and carrying hammers entered a property on Piccadilly Road and ripped three chains from around the victim’s neck before leaving.

The victim was not seriously injured but was left extremely shaken and upset. The chains were worth thousands of pounds and the owner had a strong sentimental attachment to them.

One was a solid yellow gold link chain, possibly with a classic Italian Cuban link, with a trinket of a pixie. The others were solid yellow gold belcher chains.

No arrests have been made at this stage and enquiries are ongoing. One of the suspects is described as 'white, approximately 5ft 10in, of a chubby build'. He was also wearing a black balaclava and dark clothing.

The second is approximately 5ft 10ins and of a 'large build'. He was wearing a red balaclava and dark clothing. They both spoke with a local accent.

DC Leigh Palfreeman, of Burnley CID, said: “This was a cowardly offence which has left the victim extremely upset.

“The items were of a particular sentimental value, one in particular was a present from a family member. I am asking for anybody with information about the individuals responsible or the whereabouts of the chains to contact the police.

"Unfortunately, we don’t have any photographs of the stolen items, but I would also ask local jewellers and pawnshop owners to look out for items matching the above descriptions.

"“I realise people will be concerned by this offence and I would like to reassure them that police patrols have been stepped up in the area.”

Anyone with information is asked to email 6164@lancashire.police.uk or call police on 101, quoting log 1501 of October 30, 2021.