A terrified family sent an armed gang packing after they had burst into their home.

The middle-aged couple were in the living room with their son and daughter-in-law when three masked men, dressed in black, entered the bungalow.

The gang, who were carrying weapons, went into the living room and demanded money and property from the 64-year-old husband, his 55-year-old wife, their son, aged 26, and 28-year-old daughter-in-law.

One of the intruders assaulted the 26-year-old man and there was a confrontation between the family and the raiders, who then fled empty-handed.

The son suffered a superficial wound to the back of his head which required hospital treatment.

Last night the family had moved to a secret location as detailed forensic examinations continued at their large, stone-built detached property, 100 yards from the swing bridge over the Leeds-Liverpool canal in Apperley Road, Apperley Bridge, near Bradford.

The raid happened at around 8.50pm on Monday.

The three white suspects were all wearing dark clothing and face coverings. They are thought to have fled the scene in a silver Mitsubishi Evo.

The West Yorkshire Police helicopter was scrambled in the search for the suspects, which was continuing last night.

The bungalow remained cordoned off late yesterday afternoon with forensic officers in white suits at work inside and outside the premises.