A GANG of six burglars stole expensive jewellery and assaulted two people after breaking into a house.

The homeowners woke up at 11.30pm on Monday night and were confronted by the group of men at their house in Arden Close, Colchester.

All of them had their faces covered and some were armed with weapons.

They then threatened the two people and assaulted them.

The gang - who all spoke with Irish accents - searched the house and took a large quantity of jewellery.

After they were alerted, police attended the scene and conducted a search of the area.

A spokesman for Essex Police said: "Anyone who may have seen men in the area, or has dash cam footage or CCTV is asked to call 101 and ask for Colchester CID.

"The incident number for this job is 1537 of July 9.

"Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers 100 per cent anonymously on 0800 555 111 or use the anonymous online form at Crimestoppers-uk.org."