MASKED raiders subjected a family to a "terrifying ordeal", holding them at knifepoint in their home.

A 50 year old and his family were subjected to the attack by three men who handcuffed, gagged and blindfolded him and his wife.

Police have appealed for help to catch the men responsible for the "vicious and nasty" attack.

The offenders, who were brandishing a meat cleaver and a knife, stormed into the family home, a detached property in Manchester Road, Accrington, just before 11am on Wednesday.

Det Sgt Nigel Watson said: "This was a vicious and nasty attack on a decent family.

"The offenders have clearly gone to lengths to prepare this attack."

Det Sgt Watson said the motive was "unclear" and officers were following up a number of leads.

The victim's son was able to call the police because he was upstairs with his 15-year-old sister and the raiders did not know he was in the house.

As officers arrived at the property, less than half a mile from Accrington police station, the attackers fled across Manchester Road, ran up Harcourt Road and escaped into Hollins Lane.

During the ordeal three men wearing full-face military-style balaclava masks, burst into the detached home and confronted the mother in the hallway.

They forced her to the floor, before restraining her with handcuffs, blindfolding and gagging her with adhesive tape.

The men then attacked her husband, beating and kicking him to the floor, before handcuffing, blindfolding and gagging him.

The 50-year-old man sustained severe bruising and cuts to the face and head which required hospital treatment. His wife sustained minor injuries.

Witnesses describe the men as Asian males aged between 17 and early 20s.

They were all slight to medium build varying in height between 5ft 6in and 5ft 8in.

They wore dark clothing, thought to be dark blue and black tracksuits.

Anyone with information or who saw anything suspicious is asked to contact Accrington CID on 01254 353730.