INTRUDERS burst into a Lowestoft home brandishing a large knife and threatening to set the building on fire.Three white men entered a property in Wollaston Road via an insecure rear door at around 11pm on Friday, with one carrying a knife and another a petrol can.

INTRUDERS burst into a Lowestoft home brandishing a large knife and threatening to set the building on fire.

Three white men entered a property in Wollaston Road via an insecure rear door at around 11pm on Friday, with one carrying a knife and another a petrol can.

Three men, two women and a six-year-old girl were in the house at the time of the intrusion.

A liquid substance was poured over the floor and the men then threatened to set fire to the house if money was not handed over to them.

A struggle ensued before two of the occupants managed to flee the property and alert the police.

Meanwhile, the offenders fled with a small quantity of cash.

One male occupant was left with minor injuries that did not require hospital treatment.

All three male offenders are said to be of slim build and in their early 20s. They all wore hooded tops with the hood up and hats underneath. They ranged in height from 5ft 2in to 6ft 2in.

A Suffolk police spokesman said: "This was a terrifying ordeal for the occupants of the property, leaving them extremely shocked.

"Fortunately, no one was seriously injured during the incident but this does not lessen our desire to apprehend the offenders."

It is believed the intruders approached the house via an alleyway between Ethel Road and Roman Road.

Police believe it is likely the offenders would have been spotted in the area before and after the incident.

Anyone with any information about the crime is asked to call Suffolk police on 01473 613500 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.