DETECTIVES are hunting a gang who tied up a pensioner in her home last night getting away with a haul of cash and an expensive diamond bracelet.

Three men barged their way into the 77-year-old woman's home in Bingley Road, Menston, shortly before 11pm after she had gone outside to investigate after hearing a noise.

They tied her hands and began searching the house demanding to know where the safe was before taking some jewellery from her and cash.

The men dragged her upstairs and threatened to hurt her if she did not tell them where the safe was but she managed to set off a personal attack alarm which caused the men to flee.

They also tried to steal her car from the driveway but gave up when it would not start.

One was described as being of large build and wearing grey tracksuit top and bottoms with one light stripe down each leg.

Another was wearing grey or light-coloured tracksuit bottoms, a black shiny jacket with a zip, and a light-coloured beanie hat. The third was said to be slim and wearing light-coloured clothing.

Today, Detective Inspector Phil Jackson, of Leeds District CID, said: "This was clearly a really frightening experience for the victim and we are currently carrying out extensive enquiries to trace the men responsible.

"Bingley Road itself is a fairly out of the way location and these men are likely to have stood out. We would like to hear from anyone who thinks they have seen them in the area either before the incident or escaping from the scene."

Anyone with any information should contact Leeds District CID via 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.