An investigation has been launched after reality TV star Charlotte Crosby's home was targeted by "masked men with a machete".

Jake Ankers, who appeared on BBC Three's Charlotte In Sunderland, said on social media that a group of men entered their home while they were inside.

The businessman stated that the thieves "tried to rob my house with my two-year-old and my partner who is nearly eight months pregnant, armed with a machete."

He added that one of the four intruders, who wore a red balaclava, was carrying the weapon at the top of the stairs.

Ankers said that he scared off the group and that Crosby, 34, and their two-year-old daughter Alba Jean are "safe."

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Durham Constabulary was alerted at 7 pm on Thursday to reports of a burglary in Houghton-le-Spring, a town in the Sunderland area.

A spokeswoman for the force said: "Officers attended the area, however, the suspects left the scene before their arrival.

"Nobody was injured in the incident and no items are believed to have been taken."

She added that an investigation is underway and anyone with information is asked to contact police.

After deleting his original post, in which he shared details of the attempted burglary, Ankers wrote on Instagram saying: "Thank you everyone for all the messages, me and the girls are safe.

"Very lucky and counting our blessings tonight."

Crosby and Ankers got engaged in October 2023 after she gave birth to their first child in 2022.