DETECTIVES were today hunting robbers who plundered £50,000 worth of jewellery from the wife of multi-millionaire Dave Whelan.

The former Blackburn Rovers player managed to fight off the three masked men who had entered his palatial home and tied up his wife Patricia.

The raiders broke into the Manor House, Parbold, at 8.30pm on Monday while Mrs Whelan was alone.

She was confronted by the men who pushed her to the floor and pulled the jewellery, worth about £50,000, from her fingers and wrists.

Police said the robbers tied her up with tape before making a series of "violent and physical" threats towards her.

They then waited for Mr Whelan, boss of the JJB sporting empire, to arrive home an hour later.

Police said Mr Whelan became suspicious on entering the house and activated his own personal security alarm which has a direct link with Skelmersdale police station.

He then struggled with the robbers before they fled towards Parbold Hill which leads to the M6.

Police said the men wore dark clothing and were all about 5ft 10in. One had a Liverpool accent. Police said the Whelans' home had been the target of other raids in the past.

Anybody with information should call Chorley police on (01257) 791427.

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