THREE women were left terrified when masked robbers armed with a taser gun burst into their home.

The attackers smashed their way into the farmhouse using a rock and a crowbar before threatening the women and locking them in an outbuilding.

Two mobile phones, £140 in cash, car keys and an Apple computer were stolen in the raid, which happened in Bolton Road, Hoghton.

The men were all wearing balaclavas and black gloves.

Sgt Andy Bramhall, from Chorley’s neighbourhood policing team, said: “This is a highly unusual crime in what is a very safe area.

“Even though the women were unharmed, it was a terrifying experience for them.”

The robbery happened shortly after midnight on Saturday. The thieves got in through a window which they smashed with the rock. They then cleared the glass.

The women were threatened and made to go to an outside office, where they were locked in while the robbers raided the house. The taser was not discharged.

The victims managed to escape and ran to a neighbour for help.

Police have launched an investigation into the attack. The first attacker was described as white, around 5ft 2ins tall and of proportionate build and pale complexion. He was wearing dark clothing and had blue eyes. The other two men were around 6ft tall, of slim build and were also in dark clothes.

A spokeswoman for Lancashire Police said: “We are looking for any witnesses or anybody who might have seen anything suspicious.”

Anyone with informat-ion should call 101 quoting lof reference 0041 of May 10 or 0800 555111.