Villagers have spoken of their shock after two people were tied up by masked men in an aggravated burglary.

At about 10.30pm last Thursday, four men, all in black balaclavas, forced their way through the back door of a property in High Street, Pidley.

They tied up a man and a woman in their 60s, with a cable. A third female relative was present but was not tied up.

One of the burglars, holding a ­screwdriver and crowbar, stayed with the victims while the others searched the house. The gang made off with cash and a watch.

The only other description of the men is that they were wearing light clothing.

Detective Constable Andy Bond said he was ­particularly keen to speak to anyone who saw a dark Jaguar car in the area at the time.

He said: “This was a cowardly crime, which must have been terrifying for the victims. I urge anyone in the area to consider if they saw or heard anything suspicious. Any information could help bring these people to justice.”

Police were unable to confirm whether the victims were specifically targeted.

Mike Newman, chairman of Pidley-cum-Fenton Parish Council, said: “It is a shocking thing to happen in a village but general crime in rural areas is ­escalating. Everybody is concerned but how can you protect yourself?

“There are cameras and lighting systems but not everybody has them.

“There is Farm Watch and people do pass information on but being remote, as most farms are, it is very difficult.”

Glenn Grassick, 63, of the High Street, said: “I was surprised. The village is ­idyllic. We have had a few garden sheds knocked off in the past but nothing ­serious, nothing like that.

“I have excellent neighbours all around me. I have been here since 1996 – it is a lovely rural village and a working village.

“We were shocked – you make sure you lock up.”

Another villager, who did not wish to be named, said: “It is awful because we have two children and we worry about that sort of thing anyway.

“It is shocking – to think what they have been subjected to is horrific.”

INFORMATION: Contact Det Con Bond on 101 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111. For more information about protecting yourself from rural crime, visit ­www.cambscountrysidewatch.org.uk.