Battering ram used in house raid

A man in a ski mask used a battering ram to force his way into a couple’s home in a targeted attack.

A 63-year-old man and 57-year-old woman were in their house in Airdrie, North Lanarkshire, when the man forced his way through the front door using a bright red battering ram about 9pm on Thursday. He demanded a number of items before leaving empty handed.

Detective Inspector Cameron Miller said: “Although nobody was hurt in what we believe to have been a targeted attack, this was a terrifying ordeal for the couple and has left them extremely shaken.

“We are appealing to anyone who was in the area at the time and may have seen someone matching the above description. “Battering rams are heavy and this one was of a distinctive colour.

“It is unknown if the suspect made off in a vehicle from the street and therefore someone in the area may have seen him on foot nearby.”

The suspect is described as around 5ft 7’, of medium build, in his late 20s and dressed in dark clothing.

He was wearing a dark ski mask and gloves.