MASKED men armed with a shotgun and a machete burst into a home near Dorchester and demanded money from the terrified householder, police said.

Police said the pair were looking for a specific man when they visited a house in Piddletrenthide but appeared to have got the wrong address.

When they realised the resident was not at the location they took valuable personal items and left the house.

Detectives are appealing for information following the aggravated burglary at around 7.40pm on Monday (Dec15) night which they described as a 'targeted and frightening attack'.

Nobody was injured during the incident, which villagers said was shocking.

Detective Inspector Neil Devoto, of Western CID, said: “This was a targeted and frightening attack but fortunately nobody was hurt.

“It was reported that the offenders, who were wearing dark clothing, left the area in a vehicle and loud music was heard coming from its stereo.

“I am appealing for anyone with information about those responsible to come forward and contact Dorset Police.

“I would also like to hear from anyone who saw people acting suspiciously in the area at the time or noticed the vehicle leaving the area.”

County councillor, Jill Haynes, who represents the Three Valleys division, said: “It's absolutely shocking that those sorts of people would be out to target anybody in sleepy West Dorset.

“It's not the sort of thing that happens here.

“We've had enough bad news on TV over what's happened in Pakistan and in Australia.

“Hopefully we can find out what's going on.”

The Rev Tony Monds, of All Saints Church, said he would look to offer support to the victim involved.

He said: “It's a quite a shock to hear that's happened in such a small, quiet, peaceful place where everyone looks out for one another.

“If anybody saw anything I would very much encourage them to come forward. People who commit that sort of offence must be apprehended and brought to justice.”

Witnesses and anyone with information should call Dorset Police in confidence on 101, quoting incident number 15:340.