Armed men wielding a gun and a hammer burst into a house in a “terrifying” robbery leaving the householders traumatised.

Three raiders targeted a large detached property on Emm Lane, Heaton, on Tuesday evening.

They threatened the occupiers before stealing cash, an iPad, jewellery, bank cards, car keys and a mobile phone.

Detective Inspector Ryan Bragg, of Airedale and North Bradford CID, who is investigating the robbery, said: “This was clearly a terrifying experience for the occupants who have been left traumatised by the events which took place.

“The exact motive behind the incident is not yet clear and detectives are currently working to establish the full circumstances.

“These men made some serious threats and their actions indicated a real potential for violence. Thankfully, no-one in the house was badly injured.

“It is vital that we are quickly able to identify who these men are and why they have targeted this family in this manner.”

The nightmare unfolded between 8pm and 9pm when a man with a balaclava entered the house at Emm Lane’s junction with Park Drive. He had a gun.

Two men then entered the property, one with a hammer. The trio made threats and demanded money and jewellery, before searching the house and making off with their haul.

A neighbour said he believed a dentist and his wife lived at the targeted house, but added that he didn’t know them.

DI Bragg said: “Forensic and CCTV enquiries are currently ongoing at the scene and within the local area.

“I would call on anyone with information about the incident itself, or about those involved, to contact us immediately on the non-emergency number 101, or Crimestoppers, in confidence, on 0800 555 111.”

A police officer was standing guard outside the house’s front gates yesterday evening.