DETECTIVES are investigating a robbery in Appleby in which a 61-year-old man was tied up and ordered to hand over cash.

Three men carrying weapons reportedly entered a property on Station Road at 8.45pm on Friday.

Police said they tied up the victim, made threats towards him and demanded money.

The distressed victim managed to escape and raise the alarm and the offenders fled the scene.

All three men were dressed in dark clothing and were wearing balaclavas and gloves at the time.

Detective Chief Inspector Lee Johnson said: “This was a frightening ordeal for the victim and we are making a number of inquiries of establish who was involved.

“We believe the offenders used a green Ford Focus to drive to the location and we would appeal to anyone who has seen this vehicle in the area to get in contact so that we can trace their movements.”

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Carlisle CID on 101 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.”