Police have appealed for help to snare a gang of robbers who launched a masked raid on a house in Elderslie.

Five men broke into an Asian family’s home in Newlandscraigs Drive at 2pm on Saturday and stole jewellery and cash thought to be worth a four-figure sum.

A 58-year-old man who was inside the house at the time had to lock himself in the bathroom after being assaulted when he confronted the gang.

One line of inquiry being pursued by detectives is that the targeted raid may be linked to other high-value thefts of Asian jewellery in the East Renfrewshire and Glasgow areas.

The victims of the Elderslie robbery declined to comment when contacted by The Gazette but, yesterday, police said they are making “good progress” in their efforts to catch the thieves.

Detective Inspector John Stewart, of Paisley CID, said: “We would like thank the public, who have been a great help throughout this investigation so far. We are following a number of good lines of enquiry.

“We believe this to be a targeted attack. We don’t think it was an attack on a random house. We have a dedicated team working out why this house may have been targeted.”

When asked about links to other raids on Asian families, Det Insp Stewart said officers are “keeping an open mind.”

He added: “We are also following a line of enquiry that the men may have passed through Elderslie Golf Club, as this backs onto the rear of the property where the men exited.”

Officers have been carrying out door-to-door enquires and gathering information from CCTV footage in and around the area.

The thieves were wearing balaclavas and one of them, who was around 5ft 7ins tall, was wearing a black bomber jacket and black gloves.

Police said he may have driven off in a vehicle which was parked in Glenpatrick Road, which is the main route feeding Newlandscraigs Drive.

An appeal has been issued to drivers who may have been on the road around the time of the robbery to get in touch with police, particularly if they have any dashcam footage.

Councillor Andy Steel, who represents Johnstone South and Elderslie, said: “This must have been an awful experience and I extend my sympathies to the family.

“My house was burgled 20 years ago but I can still remember what it felt like – it was horrible.

“With the community’s help, the police will catch these criminals and I would urge anyone who sees any behaviour they think is suspicious to call the police immediately.”

Anyone with information should call 101.