The balaclava-clad trio forced their way in through the patio doors and verbally threatened the couple, who are in their 60s.

The men searched the house in Stopgate Lane, Simonswood, near Bickerstaffe, before making off with a large amount of jewellery together with cash.

The couple, who have been left extremely shaken, managed to free themselves and alert police.

They said two of the offenders had London accents and all were wearing dark clothing.

Lancashire Police have not ruled out a link between the incident, which happened at 9pm on Friday, and a raid in Skelmersdale on Saturday night.

A couple in their 20s were threatened by a group of up to five masked men in their home in Summer Street at around 9pm.

They verbally threatened the couple before escaping with thousands of pounds of jewellery.

It is believed the offenders were using a four wheel drive type vehicle and made off in the direction of Latham School in Skelmersdale.

Det Insp Hazel Stewart, of Lancashire Police, said: "Although there are a number of similarities between these two incidents, at this stage we cannot say whether or not they are connected.

"We are keeping an open mind.

"A full investigation is underway and we would like to speak with anybody who has any information about either incident.

"I would ask anybody who saw anything suspicious in the Simonswood area of Bickerstaffe between 8.30pm and 9.30pm on Friday to contact police.

"We would also like to speak to anybody who noticed any suspicious activity in the Summer Street area of Skelmersdale between the same times on Saturday night.

"In the meantime we would ask people to remain vigilant and make sure their properties are secure."

Anybody with any information should contact police on 01695 566045 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

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