A MASKED gang armed with a hammer and a baseball bat forced their way into a Wirral flat before threatening the occupiers with a block of wood.

Police were called to a block of flats on Greenwood Lane, Wallasey, on Tuesday following the daylight robbery.

Officers received a number of reports that a group men, with their faces covered, had forced their way into the property at around 2.50pm armed with weapons.

They threatened the occupiers with what has been described as a piece of wood and demanded a safe, before leaving the flat empty-handed a short time later.

No one was injured during the burglary.

Neighbourhood patrols carried out a search of the area alongside air support and officers with police dogs.

House-to-house enquiries were also conducted.

Three Wallasey men, aged 20, 22 and 24, were arrested nearby on suspicion of aggravated burglary.

All three were questioned by detectives and have been granted bail pending further enquiries.

A spokesman for Merseyside Police said an investigation into the full circumstances of the burglary is continuing and CCTV from the area is being located and reviewed.

Patrols have also been stepped up to reassure the local community.

Anyone with information should call detectives in Wirral CID  on 0151 777 2265 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.