A GANG of men, wearing balaclavas forced their way into a home, restrained the owners and escaped with cash and jewellery.

The aggravated burglary happened in Main Road, Great Leighs, just before 7pm on Friday (October 21).

The four suspects left a man in his 50s with a serious hand injury, both he and a woman also in her 50s were taken to hospital for treatment.

Essex police is appealing for witnesses, and would particularly like to speak to anyone driving through the area with a camera attached to their car.  

Dc Dan Smith from Chelmsford CID said: "This is an extremely serious incident and thankfully, the occupants are now recovering from their ordeal.

“This happened at a busy time of day when lots of people would have still been on the road returning from work.

“I would be particularly interested if anyone who has cameras installed in their vehicles was driving through the area at this time to contact me at Chelmsford CID and allow us access to the footage.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dc Smith at Chelmsford CID on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.