A man was punched in the face by a gang of armed raiders who forced their way into his home.

The 22-year-old victim was pushed inside as five men barged their way in when he answered a knock at the door of his house in Thursby Street, Barkerend, Bradford.

One of the intruders punched him in the face and two of the men, who were armed with a knife and what is believed to have been an imitation firearm, restrained the victim, by holding on to him in the front room.

The rest of the gang searched the house and stole a DVD player, a mobile phone, a digital camera and a small amount of cash.

The five then fled the house and escaped on foot along Thursby Street.

Detective Inspector Gerry O’Shea, of Bradford South CID, said the raiders had not threatened to use the weapons but it had been a frightening ordeal for the victim.

He said: “The complainant suffered no physical injuries, but was very shaken by the ordeal.

“It is possible that the suspects could live locally and that someone might have seen this group acting suspiciously in the area.

“We urge anyone who has information to come forward.”

A neighbour on the street, who did not want to be named, said: “We saw the police, but did not know what had happened.

“It’s frightening for everyone. The people at the house are very quiet and keep themselves to themselves.”

Four of the suspects were Asian and the fifth was white. All were between 5ft 6ins and 5ft 8ins tall and in their late teens to early 20s.

The white male was wearing a black woolly hat and had stubble.

One of the Asian men was described as being of normal build with brown eyes, black hair and thin sideburns.

Another was wearing a white balaclava mask and black top. A third suspect was of normal build and the fourth was wearing a black balaclava and dark clothing.

Any witnesses, or anyone with any information about the robbery which occurred at about 8.30pm last night, should contact Bradford South CID on 0845 6060606 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.