THREE men have been arrested after burglars tied up a Northumberland couple to ransack their home.

In June, three balaclava-clad thieves struck at Capheaton, forcing their way into Alan and Audrey Harrison’s cottage.

Armed with what is believed to be an axe, two of the intruders tied up the defenceless occupants before taking credit cards and jewellery.

The third intruder, in the meantime, stole keys to the couple’s vehicle and drove to nearby Kirkharle Courtyard to rob the couple’s jewellery shop.

Police investigating the aggravated burglary have now arrested three men.

Detectives from Northumbria Police, with support from Durham Constabulary and Greater Manchester Police, yesterday executed search warrants in the Durham and Manchester areas.

A 47-year-old man was arrested in the Manchester area and two men, aged 48 and 28, were arrested in the Durham area on suspicion of conspiracy to commit robbery.

The arrested men were in custody and were helping police with enquiries.