A MARRIED couple were taken to hospital after a man wearing a balaclava tried to gain entry to their North Yorkshire home by smashing in the front door.

Police were called to the property in Hillam Road, Gateforth, near Selby, at 9.30pm on Sunday, after the attempted raid.

The occupant of the property, a 63-year-old man, was injured in the attack and was taken to York Hospital for treatment.

A police spokesman said the extent of the man’s injuries were unknown, but not believed to be serious.

The occupant’s 47-year-old wife was not injured in the incident, but was also taken to hospital as a precaution.

The burglar is described as about five feet ten ins tall, of stocky build, and was dressed in black at the time of the attack.

When he was unsuccessful in forcing his way into the building, he fled the scene on foot.

Detective Sergeant Ash Khan, of York CID, said: “This was obviously a terrifying incident for the victims who are understandably upset by what happened. It is very unusual for someone to be confronted in their own home in this manner and we are making extensive enquiries to establish who was responsible.

“I am appealing for anyone who was in Gateforth at the time of the incident to contact the police or Crimestoppers as soon as possible.”

Anyone with information about the incident, or who may have seen the burglar leaving the property, should phone North Yorkshire Police on 0845 6060247, or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.