MASKED raiders who tied up and gagged an elderly couple in their Hampshire home made a chilling call to their adult child before escaping with a haul of firearms.

The gang, now armed, remain on the run nearly two weeks after they smashed their way through the retired couple's conservatory and subjected them to the terrifying ordeal.

Once inside the West End home, the gang of up to four men, tied up, blindfolded, gagged and threatened the couple before raiding the house, bagging expensive jewellery and several licensed guns and ammunition.

It is understood that before the gang fled, they made a call to the couple's grown-up child, informing them that their parents were in trouble.

As previously reported, the men were all dressed in black and wearing ski masks, fleeing with the firearms as well as a substantial amount of high quality jewellery together with several gold necklaces sets and nine Rolex watches.

Fortunately no one was seriously hurt although one of the victims suffered substantial facial bruising.

The couple's home was a hive of police activity following the raid, with neighbours receiving leaflets through their letterboxes, appealing for any information or sightings that could help track down the armed gang.

Police are still trying to trace information relating to a silver car which was seen in the area of A27 Kanes Hill and the junction of Pinewood Park at around 9.15pm on August 8.

They have also urged anyone who may have noticed any suspicious behaviour of vehicles in the area to come forward, as they may have valuable evidence that could help with the investigation.

The exact location of the couple's home has not been revealed by police, nor has any information about how long they were subjected to the ordeal or how they managed to raise the alarm for help.

Detective Inspector Phil Scrase, said: “I am appealing to members of the public who may have any information in relation to this robbery to come forward and speak with the police.

“I am particularly interested in speaking with anyone who may have been offered any high value jewellery or watches.

“I would like to reassure the public that there is a dedicated team of officers investigating the matter. The level of violence used was extremely terrifying for the victims involved and it is important that the offenders are identified as soon as possible.”

Anyone with information about the incident should call Southampton CID on 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.