A RETIRED couple told today of their "sheer terror" when five masked raiders burst into their home near Selby and threatened to kill them.

Graham Brook, 58, was watching TV, and his wife Susan, 55, was working on her computer when the attackers struck last night at their detached house, in Main Road, Burn.

Armed with baseball bats and crowbars, the burglars forced their way in through a back door.

Mr Brook said today: "The first I knew about it, they were standing over me, and the first thing they did was to break my hand with a heavy metal object.

"They were shouting and screaming obscenities and told us they were going to kill us.

"I had no doubt they meant it. It was absolutely terrifying - I have never been as frightened in my life."

Mr Brook said the men, who were wearing balaclavas, locked their two Doberman dogs away.

They then handcuffed him and his wife and locked them in a bedroom.

The attack happened at about 6.15pm and two-and-half hours passed before the terrified couple managed to escape from the bedroom by smashing a window.

Mr Brook said: "We got back into the house and rang the police. They were here within minutes and were absolutely magnificent.

"There were seven police cars, along with an ambulance. I was treated by paramedics but I refused to go to hospital because I didn't want to leave my wife, who was in a terrible state.

"Firefighters also arrived and cut off our handcuffs."

The raiders escaped with cash, watches and expensive custom-made jewellery, including unique necklaces and rings, commissioned for Mrs Brook.

The couple retired after selling an electronics firm they built up from scratch.

Father-of-two Mr Brook said: "I still can't believe what's happened. I had just returned from Selby Golf Club followed by a couple of pints at the Wheatsheaf, in Burn.

"We were just about to feed the dogs and have our tea when all hell broke loose."

He said that family members were due at their home today to give them support.

Police cordoned off the house and today conducted a fingertip search of the garden, as well making house-to-house inquiries.

Anyone with information should phone police on 01904 669651 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

Updated: 14:12 Tuesday, November 18, 2003