THE OWNER of a high-powered vehicle was threatened by a gang wielding a crowbar in a terrifying late-night raid at his Burnley home.

The 54-year-old victim was watching TV in the living room of his home in Gainsborough Avenue when he heard a noise at around 11.50pm on Monday.

The gang of three men burst into the house through an unlocked door and threatened the man with the iron weapon before demanding his car keys.

The raiders then stole his mobile phone and home telephone receiver to prevent him from contacting the police. They then made off in his £6,000 Suburu Impreza, registration P443 DFR.

Today detectives leading the hunt for the balaclava-clad gang appealed for information and urged witnesses to come forward.

Inspector Damian Darcy said: "It was a very frightening experience for the owner and although he was not injured he was left shaken by the incident.

"Although there has been similar incidents like this happening in Rossendale previously, it is very rare for something like this to happen in Burnley. In fact it has been the first we have had in Burnley.

"We would ask people to take into consideration basic crime prevention advice. If they do have a garage then they should use it. These men have walked into the house through an unlocked door.

"If the door had been locked, the victim would have had time to get to the phone and ring the police so we would also remind people to make sure their doors are locked at all times and we would urge anybody with any information about this incident to contact us immediately."

Anyone with information should contact Burnley Police on 01282 425001 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.