A TERRIFIED couple were forced into their own home and robbed by crooks who refused to help when one of their victims suffered an asthma attack.

Two masked men, one armed with a bat, stole more than £1,000 after taking a handbag and a purse but refused to hand over Rita Wilson's asthma spray and tablets, leaving her gasping for breath.

The incident happened as Rita and husband Bob returned to their home in Francis Street, Burnley, at 9.30pm last night.

Mr Wilson, 53, who suffers from angina, said they were at the front door of the house when they were approached from behind and forced inside.

He said: "The stockier of the two put one hand over my mouth and literally picked me up."

The other offender who was carrying a baton type weapon demanded money.

Mrs Wilson, 63, who suffers from asthma and arthritis, said: "They wanted my blue canvas bag which I have had for years.

"I said they could have it but asked if they would give me back my spray and tablets but they just took them. Luckily I had a spare.

"They made me go into the kitchen. I was over the sink gasping for breath. It was awful, your life goes in front of you wondering what is going happen. I thought of Christmas and my family. The taller was was repeatedly hitting the palm of his hand with the baton. I could not take my eyes off it.

"They threw Bob like a rag doll so they must have been very strong."

Mrs Wilson said the money belonged to their daughter who is about to have a baby. She was saving up to pay for a new window in her home and for items for the baby including a cot.

She said they had picked the money up from her home and then decided to go the Barnes' family house at Fence to look at the Christmas lights featured in last night's Lancashire Evening Telegraph.

They had just got home when they were attacked.

Det Sgt Peter Simm said a police team had been allocated to look into the incident and would today be carrying out house to house inquiries.

He said they were appealing for information from anyone who witnessed the incident or who had any other information which would help inquiries.

The attackers are white and aged about 28-30. One was 6ft tall and wearing surgical gloves and the stockier man was wearing thick, black woollen gloves.

Anyone who can help is asked to contact Burnley CID on 01282 472144 or ring Crimestoppers in confidence on 0800 555111.