Apparent break-in attempt at congressman's home, officials say

(CNN) -- Men in masks apparently attempted to break into the Pennsylvania home of Democratic Rep. Robert Brady on Friday, according to his congressional spokeswoman, Karen Warrington.

The phone lines into the house were severed, police said. Brady's wife was home alone at the time, they said.

Brady, a Philadelphia native, was in Washington at the time of the incident, which occurred in the Pennsylvania city's Overbrook neighborhood, Warrington added.

Violent year in Philadelphia

Police said Brady's wife, Debbie, heard a knock at the door, then noticed that neither her cable nor telephone were functioning. She then looked outside and saw three men in her yard wearing surgical masks and hooded sweatshirts.

One man attempted to open the rear sliding door, according to police spokeswoman Tanya Little.

The incident prompted Debbie Brady to call police, who are continuing to investigate.

CNN's Chris Dignam contributed to this report.