ARMED masked raiders broke into a home and stole thousands of pounds in cash before fleeing in an Audi TT.

The brazen crooks carried out the burglary in a home in Cowdray Avenue, Colchester, at 5pm on Sunday.

The victim has posted CCTV images of the men online in a bid to catch the burglars.

The footage, which has been shared about 200 times, shows one of the men, who has already got into the garden, opening a gate to let the second man in.

Once both men come into view, viewers can see their faces are covered with masks.

Gazette: masked raiders

The victim also said the pair were armed with crowbars, a baseball bat and a sledge hammer.

Detectives are now appealing for witnesses and information on the raid.

Mike Lilley, Colchester councillor responsible for community safety, said: “It is quite shocking and brazen that these people have done this in the middle of an afternoon.

“Somebody must have seen somebody pull up and a lot of residents actually have CCTV themselves so maybe someone’s camera has picked something up.”

Mr Lilley, who represents Rowhedge but lives close to the town centre crime scene, also said he hoped to set up a new neighbourhood watch group so residents can stay in touch with each other and the police.

He added: “They are springing up all over the borough and they are working.

“There really is no police on patrol anymore so we are going to have to do as much as we can to help.

“We don’t want to be in a place where there is CCTV on every street but anything like that which does help should be handed over to the police.”

Nearby residents have revealed their shock at how brazen the raiders appear to be.

Sophie Deysel, who lives off Serpentine Walk, near to Cowdray Avenue, said: “It’s right in the middle of the day and the sun is out - you just wouldn’t expect it at all.”

The 54-year-old added: “Maybe that’s why they did it then, because you wouldn’t expect it. You never know.”

Alistair Breen, 68, who lives off Cowdray Avenue, said: “You just wouldn’t expect it. It shows the neck on some people who just think they can do what they want.

“I hope the police catch them and they get locked up.”

Police confirmed details of the crime and asked anyone with information to contact Colchester police station on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.