TWO balaclava-clad thugs armed with machetes robbed a family in front of their five-year-old daughter.

Police said the victims had been left terrified after the raid in Little Harwood, Blackburn.

The couple were targeted by two white men in balaclavas, armed with a machete and a knife, who forced their way into the Bank Hey Lane South home near Whalley Old Road.

Their five-year-old daughter was also present during the ordeal in which the robbers searched the whole house and demanded money from the 24-year-old woman and 30-year-old man.

The robbers, dressed in dark clothing, eventually left with a mobile phone and keys to the family car.

However, the car was not taken and the raiders made off in a separate vehicle around 8.30pm on Monday.

Police believe the men may have left the area in a dark coloured saloon car.

Detective Inspector Neil Ashton said: “At this moment in time there is no obvious motive to this attack. We are still trying to establish why this family was targeted.

“This must have been a terrifying experience for the family concerned and I am thankful they did not suffer any physical injuries.

“At this stage descriptions of the offenders are scant, other than they were wearing balaclavas, predominantly dark clothing and spoke with local accents.

“I am particularly interested in the car the offenders may have left the area in, which has been described as a dark coloured saloon.

“If any residents or motorists were in the area of Bank Hey Lane South last night between 8pm and 9pm and saw or heard something out of place, I would encourage them to call Blackburn CID.”

Neighbours spoke of their shock at the incident, but said it wasn’t the first time the road had been targeted by robbers.

One elderly resident said: “I think a hairdresser used to live in the same house, but she moved after she was robbed. It’s a beautiful area and usually very quiet.”

Pensioner Tom Woof, 80, said: “I’ve lived here for 55 years and I’m very surprised something like this can happen here.

“But the area isn’t as good as it was and isn’t getting any better.”

Another neighbour added: “I saw the police doing their inquiries. It’s a shock when they are outside your front door.

“There’s a little kid in the house. This is not a good situation.”

Thomas and Joanna Burns, also residents of Bank Hey Lane South, said they were victims of a burglary two years ago.

Mrs Burns, 66, said: “I saw two police ladies on the street last night. It was really scary when it happened to me.

“I came home and the burglars were still in the house. They ran out the back.

“I’m surprised this has happened so nearby. It is a neighbourhood watch area.”

Contact police on 01245 51212 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.