This CCTV shows the moment masked burglars hurled bricks through patio windows of a home, prompting the young family inside to barricade themselves in a room.
A man and woman, aged in their 30s, locked themselves in the room along with their young child when the three burglars smashed their way into the rear of their home in Middleton at 9.45pm.
The intruders, who were armed with cable ties and an axe, then tried to force their way into the room from where the family had dialled 999.
The man suffered bruising to his hands as he held the door shut.
The trio of burglars stole valuables and fled the scene in a blue 1 series BMW in which they had arrived.
The family was left extremely distressed following the break-in at 9.45pm on Friday, May 22.
The man who had bruising to his hands suffered only minor injuries and did not require hospital treatment.
Today, Greater Manchester Police released CCTV showing the moment the three intruders broke into the rear of the home on Boardman Fold Road in Middleton.
They also released images of the BMW in which the trio escaped onto Pebsworth Close which leads onto Mossway.
Appealing directly to the public to help catch the burglars, Detective Constable Melanie Jeffery, of GMP’s Rochdale division, said: “This is a horrific incident which has left a family understandably traumatised. Nobody should be made to feel unsafe in their own home, especially a child.
“We have released CCTV footage of three men we would like to speak to in connection with the incident and we want anyone who may have information to contact police as soon as possible.
“I ask anyone who was near or on Boardman Fold Road at the time of the burglary to try and think back to that night and recall whether they recognise the men in the video so we can establish the full details of this terrifying incident.
“I would also like to reassure the community that we are doing all we can to protect residents and find those responsible.
“I have a dedicated team of officers investigating this burglary and you will see extra patrols in the area. Please stay vigilant and report anything suspicious to the police.”
Anyone with any information is asked to contact police on 0161 856 8701 quoting incident number 2969 of 22/05/2020.
Alternatively, information can be passed to Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
