AN elderly couple were terrified when a masked intruder pushed his way into their home before demanding cash.

Police have branded the crime 'despicable' and are desperate to catch the ski-mask wearing offender.

The incident happened at the home of Norman and Isobel Taylor in Christ Church Street, Bacup, on Saturday at 12.30pm.

Mr Taylor said: "He used so much violence when it wasn't necessary. When he told us he was going to kill us that's what we thought he was going to do."