Three armed masked men smashed their way into an Oswaldtwistle home yesterday - causing one of the occupants to run for help.
As the 23-year-old man ran to a neighbour's house the raiders questioned his girlfriend inside.
Detectives described the incident at around 6.30pm on New Lane as terrifying for the victims and "strange".
DS Julie Cross said: "There was some banging on the door. Then the three men, all armed with some form of weapons, got in by damaging the front door. The 23-year-old man in the house ran off to get help. While the men were inside they asked the female questions before leaving. But they didn't steal anything."
She added: "Several witnesses saw the men entering the address, then leaving the address. We think they may have been spotted near the Black Dog pub too."
"It is really strange. we don't know what their motifs were. We are trying to speak to the victims again. We don't believe they wanted to steal anything or to assault anyone. It could be that they have got the wrong house."
Anyone with information should contact Accrington CID on 01254 353741.
