POLICE are hunting three men after a Skipton resident was threatened with pickaxe handles.

The incident happened at 8.10pm on Monday in Stirtonber on the Rockwood estate.

The man, who asked not to be named, was leaving his home and had just got into his Audi Quatro car when he noticed two men running across the lawn.

They were dressed in what was described as IRA-style balaclavas covering their faces, and were armed with pickaxe handles.

At the same time a Vauxhall Astra drove up from the top of the street and blocked his driveway.

"For a millisecond the thought flashed through my mind that it was someone having a laugh but quickly it was clear that it was nothing like that," the victim told the Herald.

The two men demanded he got out of the car and hand over the keys.

"All sorts of things flash through your head but you don't want to take any risks. I just got out of the car and handed the keys over.

"I was not terrified. I think the shock takes over and doesn't allow any other emotion. It all happened so swiftly, your only thought is 'this can't be happening to me'," he said.

The victim said the incident had sickened him and he did not want to see the car again. He said he had no idea why he had been chosen.

Other performance cars were parked on neighbouring driveways and he thought that perhaps he was just unlucky enough to be the person who came out of the house as they were waiting.

The police are appealing for information about the incident.

"We are anxious for witnesses to come forward as this was a serious offence," said PC Angela Moorhouse. "Fortunately the car owner was not injured but potentially it could have been much worse."

The police are also looking for the car - a blue, Audi Quatro registration W711 GUM.

Officers say the Astra, registration J859 AUG, was stolen from outside a house on Aire Valley Drive, Bradley, earlier that evening. Also in Bradley an unsuccessful attempt was made to steal an Audi Quatro from Heath Drive.

Brief details have been released of the suspects - they are all white and aged about 30.

Police want to speak to anyone who may have seen the men or the vehicles in either Skipton or Bradley. Anyone with information should contact CID on 01756 793377, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.