A MAN was threatened by knife-wielding robbers who raided his flat.

The three thieves - who covered their faces in bandages - stole seven England soccer shirts from the victim's home in Dalton.

Police believe the gang may try to sell the shirts in the run-up to England's crucial Euro 2004 qualifier against Liechtenstein tomorrow night.

They went into the 53-year-old man's flat on Dalton Fold Road at 1.45pm yesterday, pushed past him and rushed straight into the kitchen.

They took a knife from a drawer and threatened him with it, before demanding cash and cigarettes.

When he told them a friend outside was phoning the police, they grabbed the England shirts, 12 packets of Golden Virginia tobacco and seven packets of cigarettes.

They put their haul in a black holdall and fled.

Sgt Tim O'Sullivan, of Huddersfield police, said: "The thieves may try to sell the shirts and tobacco in pubs to fans watching the England game on TV tomorrow."

One of the robbers was African-Carib- bean and the other two were of mixed race.

All wore white bandages across their faces to mask their identities.

Anyone with information should phone Pc Michelle Finch on 01484 436659.