A COMMUNITY is in shock after a terrified woman was threatened with a gun and tied up while a masked robber stole valuable jewellery and cash from her exclusive Poole house.

The 57-year-old woman suffered the horrifying ordeal when a man wearing a balaclava got into her home in Panorama Road, Sandbanks, on Friday night - an area dubbed Millionaires' Row.

The intruder threatened the woman with a gun and tied her up while he searched the luxury detached house, which faces the waterfront near the chain ferry.

He then made off with a considerable quantity of jewellery, including rings and watches, and some money.

The woman managed to free herself to call the police and was treated by paramedics at the scene.

The victim is believed to be Jennifer Cocks, wife of property developer Michael Cocks.

Detective Chief Inspector Andy Clowser of Poole CID said: "This was a traumatic experience for the victim who was understandably very shocked and shaken.

"While the robber threatened her with a gun, he did not fire it. No violence was used and the woman was not hurt."

The area was a scene of police activity on Saturday morning as crime scene officers conducted a detailed forensic examination.

Police also carried out house to house enquiries on the street, which is in one of Britain's most exclusive residential areas.

A near neighbour of the victim said: "It is a shock and I can't think of any occurrences like this in recent years.

"I consider it to be a pretty safe place, but it is also a wealthy place with expensive property."

Ken Pottle, chairman of Branksome Park, Canford Cliffs and Sandbanks Neighbourhood Watch, said he had been "hit for six" by the news.

"We gain notoriety from the press that it is a rich area and although that is the case, it has been a very safe area," he added.

Police are now appealing for information and are looking for a man in his 20s or 30s, of medium build and about 5ft 8in tall.

At the time of the raid, he was wearing dark clothing and gloves.

Det Chief Insp Clowser said: "Someone somewhere - perhaps several people - knows or thinks they know who was responsible for this robbery and I am appealing for them to come forward urgently.

"We would also be interested to hear of any jewellery being offered for sale."

  • Anyone who has any information is asked to contact Dorset Police in confidence on 01202 222222 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.