A FAMILY last night told how raiders attacked children after bursting into their home to steal gold heirlooms.

Shazia Nazir’s parents’ home in Newlyn Road, Riddlesden, was targeted by a three-strong masked gang who then armed themselves with a knife and a pestle from the kitchen.

They ransacked the home in front of terrified brothers Ismaeel, 17, Ibrahim, 13 and Abyan, 12, while their parents and aunt were out on Thursday evening.

Mrs Nazir, 38, said about £12,000 in jewellery had been taken which belonged to herself and her mother. Her jewellery was there for safe keeping while work was being done to her home.

She said: “We were only gone about an hour. The three boys were alone and heard someone open the door.

“They thought it was a family member but it was three masked men who grabbed a knife and a pestle.

“The men terrorised the three boys, hitting the 17-year-old and 12-year-old with the pestle and threatening the older one with the knife.

“When I got back I disturbed the burglars and they got out of a window and ran off in the Hospital Road direction.

“We are all shaken. To think people have been in your home, frightening and attacking children, and taking possessions that people have worked hard to buy.

“My jewellery was a wedding gift. Friends of mine are already selling their jewellery and a few are now using costume jewellery for weddings.

“I think people are targeting houses and we are hearing more of them.”

That same evening, her cousin Ajmal Aslam’s house in Grange Crescent, Riddlesden, was also burgled.

Mr Aslam said: “I can only say that I wish I had been in the house when they got in. It would have put them off doing burglaries in the future.

“My money is being kept in the bank now and I am telling everyone to do the same or rent safety deposit boxes.”

West Yorkshire Police are looking for three white males with local accents who were all dressed in Addidas tracksuits in connection with the Newlyn Road raid which took place at 7.30pm.

Detective Inspector Alan Weekes, of Bradford District CID, said: “The suspects made off on foot, but we believe they may have run to a waiting vehicle.　

“A silver Audi car was seen driving away at speed towards Granby Lane at around that time and we would like to hear from anyone who may have seen this vehicle in the area at around the time stated. 　

“We would also be keen to hear from anyone who witnessed any suspicious activity in the Newlyn Road area at around the time this occurred.”

Witnesses should ring police on 101.