BURGLARS forced their way into a cottage and tied up a man before stealing guns and cash.

Three men in their late teens or early 20s broke into the cottage in Astley Burf, near Stourport-on-Severn, by forcing the back door and demanded cash from a man in his 60s.

They then forced him to open his gun cabinet and stole two shotguns as well as a small quantity of cash.

The firearms were two 12-bore side-by-side shotguns, one made by Victor Sarasqueta and the other by WJ Jeffery.

The burglars tied the man up before leaving the cottage but he managed to free himself and call police.

The aggravated burglary happened between 6.30pm and 8.30pm on Monday, January 30.

Detective Sergeant Rebecca Love, of Malvern Hills CID, said: “While this was a very distressing incident for the homeowner, thankfully no violence was used. We believe this was an isolated incident.

“I would like to appeal to anyone who saw anything suspicious in the Astley Burf area to contact the police.

“The victim didn’t see how the criminals left, but given that the cottage is in an isolated location, we would expect a vehicle was used.

“Astley Burf is a small, quiet and usually peaceful place, so I would like to hear from anyone who saw anything out of the ordinary in the village in the last few weeks, perhaps a suspicious vehicle or someone paying an unusual amount of interest to properties around the village area.

“Also, if anyone has seen these two distinctive shotguns or has been offered them for sale, then please contact West Mercia Police.”

Det Sgt Love can be contacted via the non-emergency police number 101, or information can be passed on anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.