COPS are hunting three cowardly thugs who targeted an elderly couple in their own home in Sanquhar in the early hours.

Police are now appealing for witnesses after the couple were attacked and robbed in their home in Mennock, near Sanquhar, in the early hours of Tuesday March 22.

At around 2am the 74 year old man and a 68 year old woman were asleep in their home when three men broke into the house and held them against their will.

The house was searched and property, including a quantity of jewellery and phones were taken.

The three men left the house and made off in a vehicle, which was heard driving off towards the A76 road which leads to Sanquhar.

Neither of the victims were harmed in the attack and the man was able to leave the house and call the police.

There is no description at this stage of the three suspects, other than they were all male.

Detective Inspector Dean Little said : “This was a very alarming experience for this couple and although they were not physically injured they are very much distressed over what has happened and it is important that we catch those responsible.

“This is a despicable crime, however is rare for our area, and I am appealing for anyone who may have any information, however small, which might help us catch those responsible to get in touch with us. We are conducting extensive enquiries in the Sanquhar area and door to door enquiries are underway. A large number of officers are currently working in the Sanquhar area on this enquiry and we want to reassure the community that we will remain in the area providing a visible presence at this time. Local residents are encouraged to approach the officers if they have any information which they feel might be of assistance.

“In particular I want to hear about any unusual or suspicious activity in or around the Mennock or Sanquhar area over Monday evening and into the early hours of Tuesday, and any sightings of vehicles moving about during this period, and in particular between 2am and 3am on the Tuesday morning would be helpful. We can be contacted at Sanquhar on the 101 number, or if the caller wants to remain anonymous then through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111."

Investigations are ongoing.