A terrified jeweller was woken by an armed gang before being viciously assaulted and robbed of much of his stock.

Detectives were today scouring the scene of the terrifying attack at Zeb Jewellers and their neighbouring home at the corner of Heaton Road and Springcliffe Street in Heaton, Bradford.

The couple were in bed at around 4.30am today when they awoke to be confronted by the masked men who had forced their way into the house.

"There were three men, believed to be Asian, and one of them was carrying what is thought to be a handgun," said Detective Inspector Tony Craven, of Bradford North CID.

He said the man was dragged from his bed by the gang and the couple were threatened into handing over the keys to the store.

"The proprietor was then beaten about the head with some kind of a bar or a hammer, causing serious injuries to his head."

The robbers then forced him to take them into the adjacent store where they stole a "large amount" of Asian gold jewellery.

"After the gang had left, the owner was taken to Bradford Royal Infirmary to receive treatment to his wounds."

The injuries were serious but not thought to be life threatening and he was due to be released from hospital today.

"Although his wife was physically unhurt, she was severely traumatised by this terrifying ordeal," said Det Insp Craven.

"We are appealing for anyone who was in the area at the time - such as taxi drivers - who may have seen anything suspicious, to contact us immediately."

He said the couple had been forced to move out of the house temporarily so that forensic experts could gather evidence from the scene.

"This is a terrifying attack on two respected people who run a long-standing business," he added.

Detectives believe the answer to the raid could lay within the local Asian community and appealed for anyone with information to come forward.

"If people did not want to talk to us directly, they could speak through an intermediary such as a community leader or local officer."

Anyone with information should contact Bradford North CID on (01274) 376059.