Couple robbed at gunpoint in home

A couple have been robbed at gunpoint after raiders burst into their County Durham home.

Two masked men, one armed with a gun, the other with a knife, forced their way into the house on Southfields in Stanley on Tuesday night.

The husband and wife, in their mid-40s, were threatened and punched before handing over an amount of cash.

Police said it was a vicious and nasty attack and are appealing for anyone with information to contact them.

House-to-house inquiries are taking place in the area.

The raiders, wearing dark clothes, ran off towards South Moor.

Acting Det Insp Tony Dumighan said: "This was a nasty, vicious attack which has left this couple shaken.

"It is imperative that we trace the people responsible."