A COUPLE were tied up and robbed in their home masked men in a terrifying raid.

The 61-year-old man and his wife, 59, were targeted by the two men who pounced on their home in Carluke, Lanarkshire, last night.

Police say the raiders, who were wearing balaclavas, forced their way into the property on Lanark Road.

They threatened the couple, said to be part of a "well respected local family", and then restrained them before scouring the house for valuables.

It is understood the men fled with money, jewellery and mobile phones.

The couple managed to free themselves after they made off and raised the alarm.

Police say they have been left "very shaken" but were not injured.

The incident took place at 9.45pm last night.

Detectives are now appealing for information to help catch the culprits.

The first is described as 5 ft 5 to 5 ft 7, slender build, and had protruding eyes, say police.

The second man is said to be white, 5 ft 8 inches to 5 ft 9 inches tall, of stocky build.

Both had their faces covered and were wearing dark clothing.

Detective Sergeant Tom Kiernan, from Wishaw CID, said: "This was a dreadful incident perpetrated on a respected local family.

"I would appeal to anyone in the local community who may have seen anyone loitering in the general area either on foot on in a car in or near Goremire Road at Lanark Road prior to the robbery – whether that be just before or earlier that day.

"At this stage we are aware an amount of jewellery has been stolen, so I would ask local businesses, especially those who deal in second hand goods, to keep an eye out for people selling on items and to report them to police if they have any suspicions.

He added: "Whilst the inquiry is at an early stage, I believe this to have been a targeted crime.

"There is an increased police presence will be in the area and I would encourage anyone who has concerns or any information that will assist officers with their enquiries speak to them."

Information can be passed to officers at Wishaw Police Office via 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.