A VIOLENT robbery at a Timperely home resulted in three arrests moments later.

The three robbers burst into the house on Riddings Road at around 1.45am this morning, waking the man inside.

The homeowner went downstairs to determine the source of the noise and was confronted by two men, who threatened to shoot and stab him if he did not hand them keys to the two cars parked outside.

No weapons were seen but the man gave the offenders the keys to a BMW Sport Coupe and an Audi A3, which the robbers drove off in, taking some Christmas presents with them.

Minutes later, officers going to the area following the report was made came across an Audi and did a u-turn to try and follow it.

The car went out of their view, but the officers soon found the Audi on its roof on Wendover Road, Brooklands, after it had collided with a house.

The 30-year-old driver attempted to flee the scene, but was detained.

He was taken to hospital as a precaution and arrested on suspicion of burglary, driving while disqualified, drink driving and possession of controlled drug.

In line with procedure, the officer who tried to follow the Audi had his driving authority suspended, but this was reinstated at the scene following a review.

The BMW was found abandoned on Warmley Road, Brooklands, shortly before 2.30am and two men, aged 24 and 30, were found nearby and arrested on suspicion of burglary.

All three remain in police custody.

Det Insp Myra Ball said: "This was a terrifying experience for the victims, who were woken in the middle of the night and threatened with violence.

"While our enquiries are ongoing, I would like to pay tribute to the actions of the officers who responded to this report.

"Every time we are called to a robbery, our officers are always looking out for suspects in case they happen to come across them.

"The message to anyone who wants to rob houses is clear; the police are on hand to protect the public and locate criminals 24/7."

Anyone with any information is asked to call police on 101 or call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.