Masked robbers stole thousands of pounds of cash and jewellery after threatening two terrified women in their Bradford homes.

Detectives are investigating after the victims suffered “extremely distressing ordeals”.

In the first raid, in Heaton Grove, Heaton, three men wearing black masks broke through a conservatory door and searched the house.

They demanded cash and jewellery from a 36-year-old woman, but she managed to lock herself in a bedroom and call police. The men escaped with several thousands of pounds of jewellery and money. Two of the robbers were described as about 5ft 8ins and slim.

Police said there were similarities between the raid and a later robbery in Granville Road, Frizinghall, when two men – one armed with a knife – forced their way into the home of a 42-year-old as she went to collect mail from the porch.

The men pushed her into the living room and attacked her before snatching jewellery she was wearing.

Her attackers are described as a white man and an Asian man in their late teens or early 20s, both wearing masks. The white man was wearing a grey or green jacket and trousers and was carrying a kitchen knife. The Asian suspect spoke Punjabi.

Detective Inspector Ryan Bragg, of Airedale and North Bradford CID, said: “While these type of offences are quite rare, I would encourage people to maintain adequate levels of security in their homes and ensure that valuable items such as jewellery are kept secure.”

The robbers struck at Heaton Grove on Thursday at 11.20pm and at Granville Road on Friday at 1.24pm.

Detectives appealed for witnesses, or anyone with information about either robbery, to call police on 101, or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

e-mail: marc.meneaud@telegraphandargus.co.uk