A GANG of masked men armed with knives and hammers have attacked a couple in their home in Orford this morning.

Police are investigating after four men wearing balaclavas and dressed in dark clothing raided a flat on Orford Lane at 12.30am.

A couple in their early 20s who were in the flat were assaulted by the group as the armed burglars ransacked their home.

The group stole a quantity of cash before fleeing from the property on foot in the direction of Forshaw Street.

The sister of one of the victims has spoken out following the shocking attack and has published photographs of the aftermath on Facebook.

She wrote: "This is the result of a very violent break in in the early hours of this morning.

"Four men wearing balaclavas armed with knives and hammers broke into my brother's flat and attacked both him and his girlfriend.

"Fortunately, there was no severe injuries, however, this left them extremely shaken.

“The flat was marked as a crime scene by the police and forensics forcing them out of their own home in order to gather evidence in the hope of catching these scumbags."

She added: "I urge everyone to keep their properties as safe and secure as possible as I would not wish this nightmare upon anybody.

"If anybody heard or seen anything suspicious please contact the police to help catch these low lives in order to prevent them from frightening anymore innocent victims."

Cheshire Police have also issued an appeal for anyone with information to come forward.

DC Stephen Deehan said: "This is a despicable crime but we would like to reassure the public that this is an isolated incident in the area.

"We are doing all that we can to locate those involved and bring them to justice."

Anyone with information has been urged to call Cheshire Police on 101 citing incident number 28 of July 12 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111."