MASKED robbers burst into a "traumatised" family's North Yorkshire home and threatened them with a crowbar before stealing shotguns, expensive jewellery and their Porsche sports car.

The four raiders struck at a house in the High Birstwith area of Harrogate at about 5.15pm yesterday, with detectives having launched a manhunt.

After threatening their victims and stealing five shotguns and a collection of jewellery, they escaped in the family's white Porsche 911 which was later found abandoned nearby. The four men all had Asian appearances.

"A young family were left traumatised after these offenders burst into their home wearing balaclavas," said Detective Inspector Andrea Kell of North Yorkshire Police.

"The stolen firearms could be dangerous should they fall into the wrong hands, so it is important that anybody who knows where they are or who has got them comes forward as soon as possible."

"Such crimes are fortunately rare in North Yorkshire, so I would appeal for anybody with any information to come forward."

Detectives want to hear from anybody who saw suspicious people or vehicles in the village or the surrounding area around the time of the incident.

Anybody who is offered jewellery or shotguns for sale in what they believe are suspicious circumstances should also phone Harrogate CID on 101, pressing option two, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111. They should quote reference number 12130211258 or mention Operation Hebron when passing on information.