ARMED criminals claiming to be police officers raided a house in Widnes in the early hours of Sunday.

Three men knocked on the front doors of a property on Cameron Road shortly after 5.15am on February and shouted: “It’s Cheshire Police.”

They then attempted to barge their way into the property.

After realising that the trio were not police, and that they were carrying a knife and a metal bar, the occupants managed to push the attackers back and close the front door.

The suspects then fled on foot.

Two of the men were wearing high-visibility clothing, while the other was wearing dark clothes.

At least two of them had their faces covered with balaclavas.

The force’s enquiries into what it called an ‘isolated’ incident are ongoing, and officers are appealing for information from members of the public.

Detective sergeant Marc Roberts said: “I would like to reassure residents that this is believed to be an isolated incident and we are determined to establish the identities of the males and what they were doing at the address.

“Enquiries are ongoing, and I urge anyone who was in the area and saw anything suspicious to get in touch with us here at Widnes Police Station.

“We also want to speak to anyone who believes they may know who the males are or have footage of them.”

Anyone with information is urged to contact Cheshire Police on 101, quoting incident number IML632558, or to call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.