Police warning as gangs rob homes

Property owners in west Lancashire are being urged to stay vigilant after two couples were robbed in their own homes.

In both incidents, masked gangs forced their way in and threatened the owners before stealing jewellery and cash.

No-one was injured in the robberies, which happened eight miles apart in Simonswood and Skelmersdale, but one couple in their 60s was left shaken.

Police say they are keeping an open mind about whether the robberies are connected and appealed for witnesses.

The first robbery happened at about 2100 BST on Friday when three masked men forced their way into a farmhouse on Stopgate Lane, Simonswood.

They threatened and tied up the couple before searching the house and escaping with jewellery and cash. Two of the men spoke with London accents.

Robberies 'similar'

In the second robbery, a couple in their 20s was threatened by up to five masked men who broke into their home on Summer Street, Skelmersdale, at 2100 BST on Saturday.

Jewellery was stolen before the gang escaped in a four-wheel drive vehicle in the direction of Latham School.

Det Insp Hazel Stewart, leading the investigation, 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 under way and we would like to speak with anybody who has any information about either incident.

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