DETECTIVES were last night hunting a gang who tied up a pensioner in her home getting away with a haul of cash and an expensive diamond bracelet.

Three men barged their way into the 77-year-old woman's home in Bingley Road, Menston, after she had gone outside to investigate after hearing a noise.

They tied her hands and began searching the house demanding to know where the safe was before taking some jewellery from her and cash.

The men dragged her upstairs and threatened to hurt her if she did not tell them where the safe was but she managed to set off a personal attack alarm which caused the men to flee during the raid late on Friday night.

They also tried to steal her car from the driveway but gave up when it would not start.

One was described as being of large build and wearing grey tracksuit top and bottoms with one light stripe down each leg.

Another was wearing grey or light-coloured tracksuit bottoms, a black shiny jacket with a zip, and a light-coloured beanie hat. The third was said to be slim and wearing light-coloured clothing.

Councillor Jackie Whiteley (Con, Wharfedale) said such a crime was rare in the area.

She said: "It is very shocking to hear of it.

"It is very worrying that an older and vulnerable member of society has been targeted.

"I'm sure the police will do everything that they can.

"It's an unusual occurrence. There is a police presence but obviously not the same as there would be in the middle of Bradford for instance.

"The police will do everything they can to find the people who did this. I hope that the lady concerned is okay, she is bound to be shaken up by it.

"You don't expect these things to happen in this ward, or even this village.

"I'm very shocked to hear that there is this type of person out there who would do this."

Detective Inspector Phil Jackson, of Leeds District CID, said: "This was clearly a really frightening experience for the victim and we are currently carrying out extensive enquiries to trace the men responsible.

"Bingley Road itself is a fairly out of the way location and these men are likely to have stood out. We would like to hear from anyone who thinks they have seen them in the area either before the incident or escaping from the scene."

Anyone with any information about the robbery, which took place at about 11pm, should contact Leeds District CID via 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.