Machete terror for couple

MACHETE-wielding intruders violently assaulted an elderly couple in their home.

The 70-year-old man and his 69-year-old wife were watching TV at home in Birch Avenue on Tuesday evening and answered the door to be confronted by two black men who forced their way in.

He attempted to push back the pair, prompting one to punch him in the face.

His wife ran into the hall to see the offenders, brandishing a machete, were on the stairs and demanding to know if they had a safe.

The wife ran outside to scream for help, at which the attackers ran off.

The first man was black, about 6ft 2in tall, well-built and in his mid-20s with prominent eyebrows and a large nose. He was wearing a dark grey woollen hat and a black scarf round his face.

His accomplice was also black, about 5ft 8in tall, slimly built and in his mid-20s. He also wore dark clothing and carried a machete about 18 inches long.

Police are now appealing to anyone with information to come forward.

Det-Con Kelly Bragg said: “The motive is unclear. We cannot be certain if it was a case of mistaken identity or the offenders deliberately targeted the address.

“I would urge anyone with information to call us.”

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101 or Crimestoppers, anonymously on 0800-555 111.