MASKED thieves armed with machetes tied up, taunted and assaulted a wealthy Ogbourne St George couple before stealing jewellery, expensive watches and large amounts of cash from their home.

Matthew and Belinda Coplestone, of Southend, were watching a film at 10.30pm when they heard noises from upstairs, prompting Mr Coplestone to go and investigate.

When the 48-year-old went up the stairs of the large detached house, the director of local company Earthline Development Ltd was accosted by the thieves. According to their son Jacob Coplestone, who posted on Facebook, his dad was 'beaten and attacked with a machete, and 'sustained cuts to the back of his head and torso, luckily non-life threatening'.

The 24-year-old, a former Marlborough St John's pupil, added that his mother was 'tied up and taunted with a knife, whilst having to witness our father fighting' with two of the thieves.

He said that his dad 'refused to give them what they wanted; his guns' and added that 'if it wasn't for him escaping' and his sister Amelia hearing him shouting, 'who knows what the outcome would of been'. The thieves stole jewellery, expensive watches and a large sum of cash before running off.

Police said that the three attackers, who are believed to be black or Asian and were wearing dark clothing and had either balaclavas or scarves covering their faces, attempted to steal a car before making off in an unknown direction after the attack, which happened on Thursday, May 26.

Co-owner of the nearby Parklands Hotel, Nicola Bentley, said: "The community are deeply shocked and disturbed by this. We have burglaries now and again but nothing like this. My husband Mark saw the parents up and about very soon after it, so they must be strong characters."

Mr Coplestone's company was founded nearly 30 years ago and has grown to become one of the largest independent earthmoving, recycling and quarrying companies in the south of England, with a fleet of more than 50 tipper lorries.

West Selkley Wiltshire Councillor Jane Davies said: "This sounds a horrific attack and deeply upsetting. I am sure everyone will share my thoughts that they recover from this awful attack and I hope the police can catch the culprits as soon as possible. I have lived in the area since 2004 and I have never heard anything like this, it is a very unusual crime."

Detective Sergeant Nick Bailey said: "Fortunately the victims were not seriously injured, but it was clearly an extremely terrifying and shocking incident for them in the comfort and safety of their own home.

"I would like to stress that this type of incident is extremely rare in Wiltshire and detectives and the officers and staff on the Community Policing Team are working both on the investigation and in the local community to reassure residents.

"We have had a fantastic response from the public already, which will help in our investigation, but I would ask that if anyone saw people matching the description of these individuals on the night or have any information that might assist the police to get in touch."

Police did not confirm whether or not Mr Coplestone had a firearms certificate which would allow him to own a gun or whether guns were in the house at the time.

If anyone has any information contact Detective Sergeant Nick Bailey 1772 at Bourne Hill Police Station on 101 or call Crimestoppers 0800 555 111.