POLICE have issued an appeal for public help in a bid to trace three men who left a businessman tied up in his own home following a raid on his isolated farmhouse.

Detectives leading the investigation are calling on anyone with information to contact them in the wake of the robbery at Carter Place Farm, near the A56 at Rising Bridge.

The trio escaped with £8,000 in cash after hitting Peter Nuttall over the head with a heavy object and tying him up with wire flex.

Some of the money is from Northern Ireland, including a £100 note, and Rawtenstall CID is keen to hear from anyone who comes into contact with the cash.

A distinctive gold charm bracelet was also taken by the thieves in Friday morning's raid.

Police are currently carrying out house-to-house inquiries in the area surrounding the farmhouse.

Detective Inspector John Fryer, head of Rawtenstall CID, said: "The victim was at home alone shortly after midnight when he was disturbed by his dog barking. "When he went to investigate a man wearing a full-face crash helmet burst in through the kitchen door."

The man, who was wearing a black helmet with a silver stripe down the middle, is 6ft and has a slim build.

Detective Inspector Fryer added: "Mr Nuttall noticed two other men shortly before he was knocked to the ground.

"He had his arms and legs bound together by wire and the men escaped in a vehicle. He then managed to free himself and call the police."

Mr Nuttall, suffered cuts and bruises, but did not want to talk about his frightening ordeal.

DI Fryer said: "Obviously we are treating this as an extremely serious offence.

"This man was subjected to a frightening ordeal in his own home in the early hours of the morning."

The police chief added: "We are not ruling out the possibility that this was an inside job and these people may have looked around the area before returning to carry out the robbery.

"Because the farm is isolated, a vehicle must have been used."

The number to ring with information is 01706 215242.

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