Three armed teenagers forced their way into a Wiltshire home and threatened the people inside.

Young offenders targeted a property in Fisherton de la Mere, near Warminster, three times in December.

It had been reported that the boys had allegedly been carrying pistols in the raids.

Two youths stole a BMW from the home on December 11, then returned with a 14-year-old accomplice to break into the garage and steal a Makita hedge trimmer, golf clubs, a chainsaw, charging equipment and wellies.

The trio returned on December 27 to carry out an aggravated burglary and steal an Audi.

They were later arrested and appeared at Salisbury Crown Court on Wednesday, January 31.

A 16-year-old boy pleaded guilty to burglary, two counts of theft, aggravated burglary and having a firearm with intent.

A 15-year-old boy pleaded guilty to burglary, theft, aggravated burglary, and having a firearm with intent.

Another 15-year-old boy, who was 14 at the time of the burglaries, pleaded guilty to aggravated burglary, having a firearm with intent, dangerous driving, having a bladed article in a public place, and possession of cannabis.

All three defendants have been released on bail and are due to be sentenced on March 15.

PC Jack Williams, from the Burglary and Serious Youth Gang Violence Team said: "This was a harrowing incident which saw three teenagers armed with weapons force their way into a home, threaten the occupants with weapons and rob one of them.

"The group targeted this house not once, but three times over a short period.

“It is this kind of situation which can have a long-lasting impact on the victim and affect their sense of security and privacy in their own home, a place where they should feel completely safe.

“We take burglaries incredibly seriously.

“In line with our force priority of reducing the number of burglaries across Wiltshire, we have a dedicated burglary unit whose role it is to ensure that burglars are brought to justice before the courts.

“If you have been the victim of a burglary or if you have any information on burglaries, please do not hesitate to contact us either on 101 or through our website www.wiltshire.police.uk “If a crime is in progress, always call 999.”

Information can also be reported to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Wiltshire Police’s website includes advice on how residents can protect their home from burglars.