A gang of thugs forced their way into a house threatened the elderly occupants with a screwdriver.

Four men forced open a window of a property in The Downs, Stebbing, at around 9.30pm on Saturday.

Once inside, one of the men threatened an 87-year-old man and an 82-year-old woman with a screwdriver, demanding cash and jewellery.

The men locked the couple in the bathroom whilst they searched the house before leaving with a small amount of cash.

Detective Inspector Gary Biddle said: “This was a frightening incident and fortunately the victims were not hurt, but have been left in shock.

“This happened in a small village and it’s possible that residents saw people acting suspiciously in the area at the time or in the days leading up to the incident.

“I’d urge anyone with information, however small, to contact us as it could help us with our investigation.”

The couple have been able to provide descriptions of two of the suspects.

One of the suspects was white, 6ft 4ins tall and of a large build.

He covered his face with a black piece of clothing.

Another man, the one who threatened the couple, was white, 5ft 7ins tall and of a medium building.

He had short dark hair, wore a light coloured shirt and jeans.

He covered his face using netting.

Both suspects were described as having Eastern European accents.

We want to hear from witnesses or anyone with CCTV or was in the area at the time and has dash cam footage.

Contact PC Gemma White at Braintree CID on 101 quoting reference 42/116033/18.

Alternatively, contact the Crimestoppers charity 100% anonymously on 0800 555 111 or use the anonymous online form at Crimestoppers-uk.org