A MAN came face-to-face with masked robbers carrying sledgehammers who burst into his home.

The three men used one hammer to smash the front door of the house in Stand Lane, Radcliffe, on Wednesday night. The homeowner was woken by the noise and was approached by the gang on the stairs. They demanded his car keys and threatened him with violence when he refused.

The men fled emptyhanded to a waiting car after hitting his car with one of the sledgehammers.

The man, who has not been named, was shaken but unhurt.

The gang are described as white, between 5ft 6ins and 5ft 8ins tall of medium build wearing black clothing.

A police spokesman said: "This was a particularly frightening ordeal

for the occupier of the house and we would urge anyone with

information to come forward."

Contact Bury CID on 0161 856 8150 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.