Detectives in Luton are appealing for help to find two masked men who broke into a house and threatened its occupants before making off with a large quantity of cash.

The incident happened shortly before 10pm on Wednesday December 23, in Stockingstone Road, when the two men forced entry through the back door of the house and threatened the couple who live there with a crow bar.

Police believe that the men knew that there was money in the house and demanded that the victims hand it over.

Once they were in possession of the money, the men made off in an unknown direction without harming the victims.

The offenders both wore balaclavas and are described as a black man and a white man, both in their 30s and of medium build.

Both spoke with a local accent and the black man was carrying the crow bar.

Uniformed police officers and the force helicopter carried out ground and air searches for the men following the incident but could not trace them.

Neighbours report seeing a brown van in the area which may be connected to the incident.

Anyone with information relating to this incident should call the police in confidence on 01234 841212 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.