TWO university lecturers enjoying a night in with friends were tied up and robbed by a gang of masked thugs at the weekend.

The raiders forced the lecturers and three students onto the floor, tied them up and threatened them violence before stealing cash, credit cards, a suede jacket and jewellery.

The raid occurred last Friday, May 16, at 11.30pm at a flat in the Castle Park Mews area of the city.

None of the occupants were injured by the robbers but the credit cards were later used to get money from nearby cash machines.

There were three masked attackers, one of which had a fair moustache and an East European accent. He is described as being 5ft 9in tall, medium to stocky build with blue eyes and a deep voice. He was wearing trainers and jogging bottoms.

One of the other robbers was described as being of the same height, stockily built and with a softly spoken northern accent. He was wearing black training shoes.

The offenders used the cards to withdraw cash from machines at Lancaster's Main Post Office on the corner of Fenton Street and also at the Asda Superstore, Ovangle Road.

A police spokesman appealed to the public and also members of the criminal fraternity to come forward with any information.

"We would like to hear from people who saw anyone acting suspiciously in the area of Castle Park Mews late on Friday night. Also, was any member of the public at or near those machines between 12 midnight and 1.45pm? Did they see or notice any motor vehicles in the area," said the spokesman.

"In particular, it is known that a member of the public used the cash machine at the main post office just minutes before it was used by the offenders. We would appeal to that member of the public to contact us as soon as possible."

The item of jewellery that was stolen was a 22ct gold rope bracelet with a heart shaped pendant. Small amounts of German, Irish and US currency were also taken.

Anyone with information can call the police confidentially on Lancaster 596639.

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