NEIGHBOURS of a man who was attacked by masked burglars have spoken of their shock at the incident.

The man, said to be in his 50's, was followed by three men wearing balaclavas as he returned to his home in Firthland Road, Pickering on Monday evening at about 8.40pm.

The men then launched an attack, punching him and demanding money before threatening his wife, also in her 50s, who had been waiting for her husband to come home.

North Yorkshire Police said that the men stole money from the house before running off through the front door of the house on to Goslip Gate.

Wendy Harper, who lives opposite the couple’s house, said that the first she knew about the incident was when she let her dogs out at about 9pm and heard the police helicopter.

She said: "We have lived here for 34 years and nothing like this has ever happened. It is a total shock because this is such a quiet street and normally we never have any problems."

Mrs Harper said that she thought the victim worked in Pickering.

The couple were both taken to Scarborough District Hospital for check-ups after the police were called but were later released. The man was left with minor facial injuries and both were extremely distressed and shaken up by the ordeal, according to North Yorkshire Police officers.

Maureen Reynoldson, who has lived on Firthland Road for over 30 years, said that the incident was shocking and incredibly worrying.

Mrs Reynoldson said: "Since I have lived here we have never had anything worse than kids messing around on Mischief Night. We really like living here, it is a peaceful area and we have never had anything as bad as burglaries or assaults. It is really worrying how close to home this was."

The three suspects are described as medium build and were wearing dark clothing. Police officers carried out extensive searches of the area and were supported by the National Police Air Service. Community Support Officers were conducting door to door inquiries the following day and two police vans, including one from the Crime Scene Investigation Team, remained outside the victims' home.

Officers area appealing for anyone who was in the Eastgate, Hungate, Southgate or Firthland Road area on the night of the burglary to contact them with information.

Detective Sergeant Ken Proctor of Scarborough CID, said: “This incident has left the victims very shocked by what happened and I am appealing to the public for their help as we continue our investigation."

Anyone with any information should phone North Yorkshire Police on 101, select option two and ask for Scarborough CID, quoting reference number 12140216686.

Crimestoppers can be called anonymously on 12140216686.