Couple threatened by armed men in balaclavas in raid on Hartlepool house

Cleveland Police has launched an inquiry after the aggravated burglary on a house in Butterstone Avenue on Saturday, December 21, at 8.45pm.

The couple were alerted to the raiders when they went to investigate a noise at the back of their property, which is on the former Steeley site off the A1049 West View Road in the town.

The man, who is in his 30s, and woman, who is in her 20s, were uninjured during the incident, but police said they were “left very shaken" by the disturbance.

Now police are appealing for people who saw a car believed to be involved or might have caught footage in the area of the time to get in touch.

A spokesperson for the force said: “On going to investigate, they discovered three men, all in balaclavas and armed with weapons.

“The men made threats towards the victims and left with a small amount of property.

“It’s believed the three men left in a small light-coloured car and police would like anyone who may have passed this car in the area and caught it on their dashcam to check systems and get in touch.”

Officers are also appealing for anyone who has information or private CCTV which could help inquiries to get in touch with investigators.

Details can be passed on via the 101 number, quoting Event 216139, or through Crimestoppers by calling anonymously on 0800 555 111 or by sending information via its website, crimestoppers-uk.org/