A GANG of masked men raided a house in Orford on Sunday night and smashed up the property.

Several intruders wearing face coverings broke into the occupied home on Laira Street via the back door shortly before 8.30pm on Sunday, March 1.

The offenders caused damage to the kitchen, but fled when one of the occupants told them that there were police officers outside.

They were described as wearing t-shirts and shorts with their faces covered by scarves, snoods and hats.

Detective constable Darren Gibson said: “This was a frightening incident for those who were in the house when the group of males broke in and started damaging the kitchen.

“It has understandably left them extremely shaken up.

“I would like to reassure members of the community that this is believed to be an isolated incident, and we are determined to identify the offenders and make them face the consequences of their actions.

“Enquiries are ongoing, and I urge anyone who was in the area and believes that they saw the group of males that night either before or after the incident occurred to contact us at Warrington Police Station.

“The same goes for anyone who thinks they may have CCTV or dashcam footage of them.

“I also appeal to anyone with any information regarding the identities of the offenders to get in touch.”

Anyone with information is urged to contact Cheshire Police on 101, quoting incident number IML650536, or to call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.