THREE masked men carried out a terrifying burglary at a property, but left empty-handed after one of the victims managed to alert the police.

An investigation has been launched after the gang entered a home on Hatford Road at around 10.20pm on November 23.

A man and a woman, both in their 20s, were forced to the ground before the men started searching the property.

They were forced to flee the scene when one of the victims managed to escape and call the police.

All three men were around 6ft, with British accents and they were wearing balaclavas, big coats and gloves.

Nothing was stolen during the burglary and the victims were not injured.

Detective sergeant Alice Ashman, of Reading Force CID, said: “This was a very disturbing incident for the two victims in this case.

“If you have information about this incident I would encourage you to contact the police.

“You can call the 24-hour non-emergency number on 101 quoting reference 43180359456 or you can make a report online.

“If you would prefer to remain anonymous, you can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”