ARMED robbers tied up a Yarnbrook man in his own home before making off with a collection of £6,000 in pound coins on Saturday 1 March.

Police believe that the raiders, who subjected the 35-year-old market trader to the terrifying ordeal, may have known that a large amount of money was kept in the house at Hawkeridge Road. DC Paul Clifford of Trowbridge Police said: "The victim is traumatised by his ordeal. We are talking about an extremely violent and frightening incident.

"He is a gentle, quietly spoken man and there is no reason why anyone would want to hurt him.

"It is possible that they did not anticipate that he would be at home as he had been planning to go out with his mother that evening."

The gang of three or four raiders got into the house through an insecure back door between 8pm and 8.20pm on Saturday night.

They threatened the man, who was in the house on his own, with a Stanley knife and a screwdriver then tied him up with telephone cable, placing a bag over his head so he couldn't see what was going on.

They then searched the house and took the pound coins, which he had been collecting, along with several pieces of jewellery, leaving about 20 minutes after they got into the house.

People living nearby were shocked at the crime in what is normally a peaceful village.

Neighbour Maureen Kettlety said: "It is worrying and it makes it worse that he was in at the time."

Cllr Horace Prickett said: "I'm absolutely appalled. It is a great shame it should happen in what is normally, ignoring the traffic, such a quiet, friendly place to live.

"It shows that the place is getting more dangerous."

Police have high hopes that the raiders will be caught. They are asking the public and shopkeepers to be aware of people trying to change large numbers of coins into notes.

DC Clifford said: "This crime is going to be solvable because it is so unusual.

"People will remember if they have come across someone who has large amounts of coins such as this."

The jewellery taken was also distinctive and included two gold horseshoe rings studded with small diamonds, a gold ring also studded with rows of diamonds, two plain, 2oz gold bracelets, a Seiko watch and a fake Rolex watch.

It is also believed that the robbers would have used a vehicle in the raid both to get them to the scene and to carry away their loot. DC Clifford said: "The house is near the garage and the pub and someone might have seen a large vehicle parked in a strange place or even causing an obstruction."

The gang leader is des-cribed as black, 5ft 6in to 5ft 9in, aged between 25 and 30 and of athletic build. He also used the word 'geezer' a lot in conversation. An e-fit is due to be released shortly.

Anyone with information can contact DC Clifford at Trowbridge police on (01225) 763101, or Crime-stoppers on 0800 555 111, in confidence.