Police launch manhunt after knife-wielding masked men raid house

At 10.49pm on March 11, officers from Skelmersdale Police were called to reports of an aggravated burglary at a property in Higher Lane, Dalton.

The victim heard a bang coming from their garage and when he went to see what was going on, saw two men in the street wearing balaclavas and one carrying a knife. The man with the knife walked towards the victim, who managed to get back into the safety of his home.

At 6.10pm on March 15, reports were received of another burglary at a separate address also in Higher Lane, Dalton. The victim came downstairs to find her kitchen window had been smashed and valuable, including an iPad and cash, had been taken.

At 8.39am on March 17, police were called to the report of a burglary in Lees Lane, Dalton. Two burglars took a hybrid bike and a motocross bike from a barn. The bike has since been recovered.

No arrests have been made at this stage but enquiries are very much ongoing, officers say. Patrols have also been stepped up in the area.

Officers are now keen to find the Citroen van -registration SC16 OSU – as part of their enquiries.

Sgt Darren Carr, from the West Lancs Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “We understand that these incidents will have caused a great deal of concern in the community and we are doing all we can to bring those responsible to justice.

“We are now asking for the public’s help and would ask anybody with information or CCTV dashcam footage from the area at those times and dates to get in contact with police. We also want to hear from anybody with information on the van in the attached photograph, particularly on the identity of those using it and the vehicle’s movements over recent weeks.”

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101 or email [email protected].

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