In a reported case of robbery, a 53-year-old old woman was confronted by three masked men who threatened her with a knife before stealing a large quantity of jewelry, according to police in Leeds.

The incident happened at Darkwood Way in the Shadwell area of Leeds on Tuesday evening, after the woman entered her home. The victim, once inside the house, went straight up to a bedroom where she was confronted by the first man, who police believe had followed her into the house.

He was then joined by two other individuals, who threatened to cut the victim with a knife unless she gave them jewelry and cash, police said.

According to the police the victim's hands were tied with electrical cord, a tissue or rag was placed in her mouth and had an item of clothing pulled over her head and wrapped round her neck.

The robbers stole two jewelry boxes; one was red and the other was silver with a small padlock. Both contained a number of rings, bangles and necklaces. They also snatched the victim's wristwatch and fled in her car, officers said.

The victim managed to free herself after the suspects had left and raised an alarm.

She said that one of the suspects was a white male, 6ft tall, stocky build, in his 20s and was wearing black tracksuit bottoms, black trainers and a jacket with a front zip. He spoke with a local accent. The other two are being tentatively described as white males, also of stocky build, in their early to mid 20s, between 5ft 11" and 6ft tall and wearing dark clothing. All three suspects are believed to have spoken with local accents.

The police today appealed information in the case.