Masked pickaxe-wielding robbers who threatened a family during a terrifying home raid may have targeted the wrong address, police have revealed.

Three balaclava-clad raiders – carrying what were believed to be a pickaxe and a knife – struck at a house in Cliffe Terrace, Denholme, on Monday evening.

They demanded cash and property before searching the house and taking three mobile phones and a set of car keys. The items were all recovered shortly afterwards from a nearby garden.

But Detective Inspector Ryan Bragg, of Airedale and North Bradford CID, believes the burglars may have made a mistake.

He said: “We are looking at the possibility the suspects were after a particular house or property and got the wrong one – it is an unusual incident for this area, and the occupants are a decent, working family.”

Police are appealing for information about the incident, which happened at about 8.30pm. They also want to hear from anyone who may have seen a suspicious vehicle in the area at the time.

Det Insp Bragg said: “I would appeal to anyone who may have any information, or who saw anybody in the area acting suspiciously, to contact Airedale and North Bradford CID on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.”

One of the robbers is described as Asian, aged 19 to 24 and about 5ft 11in tall, wearing dark clothing and white gloves.

The second man is also of Asian appearance and about the same age. He was a few inches shorter and of chubby build, wearing a grey hooded top.

The third man is white and was wearing dark clothing. All were wearing balaclavas.