Violent intruders terrorised a Jewish couple during a burglary over the Shavout festival.

The north Manchester couple in their 60s had hammers held over their heads by two men who broke into their Salford home around 4am last Wednesday morning.

The 67-year-old wife was told she would be harmed if she did not hand over jewellery and credit cards. Her husband said that they had both suffered delayed shock after the terrifying incident.

"It was very alarming - their threats were frightening," he said.

Detective Sergeant Julie Connor of Greater Manchester Police appealed to anyone who may have seen the couple's white Vauxhall Mokka car, which was taken during the raid.

"This is the second burglary in the area in as many days and the community are naturally going to be concerned."

There are hopes that the hundreds of worshippers leaving the traditional sunrise Shavuot prayers at the area's synagogues may have witnessed the thieves fleeing the scene.