A terrified elderly couple were tied up and locked in their bedroom by three masked men who forced their way into their home.

The man living in the house in Crescent Drive North, Woodingdean, Brighton, believed they were delivering a package as one of the men was carrying a large box so he opened the door.

The robbers, who are all believed to be in their 30s, stole money and jewellery from the couple, who are both 73, after tying their hands up and locking them in the bedroom at about 7.20pm yesterday. The shocked couple bravely untied themselves before raising the alarm.

Police believe the box the men used to push their way into the house was taken from bins at the back of a small parade of shops in nearby Warren Way.

DC Jon Freeman, who is leading the investigation, said: “It was obviously a very frightening ordeal for the couple and we are giving them all the support we can.

“They were taken to hospital for observation but thankfully they were not seriously injured. If anyone saw a person or people acting suspiciously in that area before the robbery they should contact police.

“This is an isolated and unusual offence and we are looking into the circumstances. As well as forensic examinations at the house, we are making extensive inquiries in an effort to trace these men.

“Patrols have been increased in the area and officers are keen to talk with anyone who may have seen anything suspicious or have any information.”

Anyone with information should call Sussex Police on 101, quoting serial 1240 of December 29 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

To hear the couple's own account of their ordeal in their own words, see tomorrow's Argus.