A MAN and a woman who were woken in their own home by thugs wielding weapons were the victims of mistaken identity, police say.

The Star reported yesterday how three men broke into a house on Manville Street, Peasley Cross on Friday, April 28 at about 5am, threatening a man and woman with blades.

The intruders then headed off in the general direction of Marshalls Cross Road.

Fortunately, no serious injuries were sustained, or anything stolen, though the property was left damaged.

Police have confirmed the victims were mistakenly targeted, with the thugs thinking someone else lived at the address.

Detective Inspector Barbara Hebden said: “This type of crime is the most invasive when people felt they were safe in their own surroundings fast asleep.

St Helens Star: A CCTV image of a man police want to trace in connection with the incidentA CCTV image of a man police want to trace in connection with the incident (Image: Merseyside Police)

Appeal for information

“We are now asking the local community who have information, however small, to come forward and help if they saw something out of the ordinary in the early hours last week or if they have potential CCTV from doorbell or dashcam cameras that can assist with us identifying these three men.

“We are particularly keen to speak to the man pictured as we feel he has information that could be vital to our investigation.

"If this image jogs your memory and you remember seeing anything suspicious in the area during the early morning of Friday, April 28 please contact police.”

Anyone who knows or has seen this man and has any is information is asked to DM @MerPolCC or @CrimestoppersUK on 0800 555111 quoting reference 23000356974.