THREE masked men carrying knives forced their way into a home in Bournemouth.

The incident happened at an address in Stone Gardens, in the Townsend area, at 9.09pm on Tuesday, January 9.

The men threatened one of the occupants, a man in his 20s, and assaulted him before taking his wallet.

A second occupant, a man in his 50s, was placed in a headlock by one of the offenders. Both men sustained minor injuries.

The offenders are described as white, aged in their late 20s, of slim build and wore scarves to conceal their faces, baseball caps, hooded tops and jackets.

Police say the men spoke with Liverpudlian accents.

It follows reports of three other aggravated burglaries in the Bournemouth area.

On Monday, four men carrying knives and hammers forced their way into a flat in Lorne Park Road.

Police say at this stage they do not believe any of the incidents are linked and initial enquiries suggest these were not random attacks.

Detective Constable Rebecca Joyce, of Bournemouth CID, said: “An investigation is underway to locate the three offenders and I would ask anyone who knows who is responsible for this offence or saw any suspicious activity in the area at the relevant time to please contact Dorset Police.

“I would like to reassure the public that in each case a detailed investigation is underway and we are making extensive enquiries to identify the offenders.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk, via email 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk, or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55180004507. Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or via www.crimestoppers-uk.org.