AN anonymous Good Samaritan has put up a £1,000 reward in a bid to catch robbers who assaulted an elderly couple in their home.

Police said the Hyndburn resident, who wishes not to be identified, was sickened and disgusted by the attack early on Wednesday, which led to the couple in their 80s being taken to hospital.

The pair, who police have not named, were attacked in their Burnley Road home, in Accrington, at 12.30am on Wednesday.

Police believe that three men went into the property as the owners slept. They woke the couple and demanded money from them, then assaulted them.

Property, including a handbag and cash, were taken from the house. The couple were taken to Blackburn Royal Infirmary where they were treated for their injuries before returning home.

PC Mark Winstanley, of Accrington police, said: "We have now had an offer from someone who wishes to remain anonymous of a £1,000 reward for information leading to the prosecution of the offenders involved in this attack.

"This person, who is local, was disgusted and sickened by the fact that elderly people could be attacked in their own home.

"Anyone with any information on this aggravated burglary should contact Accrington CID or Crimestoppers and all calls will be treated in confidence."

Police had already spoken to one witness who said they had seen three men getting into a white car in Balmoral Road around the same time and believe it could be the offenders.

Detective Sergeant Simon Giles of, Accrington CID, said: "This was a cowardly and despicable attack which left the elderly man and woman very shocked and traumatised.

"It could have been a lot worse than it was because of the couple's ages." Councillor Dave Parkins, Huncoat ward councillor, said: "What has happened is despicable -- these people could've been frightened to death.

"People are not even safe in their own home any more.

"And I would urge anyone who knows anything about the offenders to contact the police right away."

Councillor Brendan Shiel, Huncoat ward councillor, said: "I am sure the perpetrators of this crime would feel equally outraged if it was their parents or grandparents involved in such an incident."

Accrington CID can be contacted on 01254 353741 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.