FOUR men posing as police officers tied up two brothers in their own home before fleeing with jewellery and cash.

The men, who were dressed in high-visibility jackets with police badges on, knocked on the door of a house in Baysdale Avenue, Ladybridge yesterday at 12.30pm and stated that they were there to search the house.

Two brothers living at the house — aged 23 and 24 — were ordered to sit in the front room while two of the offenders went upstairs and searched various rooms.

One of the men then came downstairs and asked “where’s the gold?”, which lead the brothers to question if the men were legitimate police officers.

At this point, one of the offenders told his accomplices to cuff the victims, who were then bound by their hands and ankles with cable ties.

One of the men then threatened to stab the brothers if they tried to get up — at which point the gang fled having stolen jewellery and cash.

It is not yet known the value of the goods or the amount of cash that was taken. 

The four offenders were described as Asian and wearing high-visibility jackets with police logos.

Inspector Wayne Readfern said: "Clearly these men were not police officers nor are they affiliated to any police force in anyway.

"They are simply thieves who were masquerading as police officers in order to give themselves an air of authenticity as a ruse to gain entry to this house.

“Once the victims realised they were liars, they dropped the act and resorted to violence.”

"The reason we have publicised this appeal is so that people in the community are not fearful when they are visited by police.

"Genuine police officers will be happy to show you identification bearing the signature of the Chief Constable and if they are there to search your property will have a properly documented warrant.

"Our officers make a number of house visits in this community, not just to investigate crimes but to be a visible presence for residents with whom officers regularly talk to and engage with.

“ I do not want this relationship to be affected by this unfortunate and isolated incident.

"If any officer does call at your home and refuses to produce the correct identification, please call the real police immediately."

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.