TWO raiders held a woman and her family hostage as they searched their home, a court heard.

Brian Raymond is accused of posing as a gas man to get into Alexandra English’s home in Clacton.

Raymond and Emma Blair are alleged to have been told there was £15,000 to £20,000 of cash and jewellery in the property.

Miss English told the pair the haul was in her parents’ home, in Braintree, and the court heard Blair and Raymond ordered her to drive them there or she would be tasered.

After reaching the home, prosecutors say Miss English opened her dad’s safe and handed over the items.

Roger Pearson, prosecuting, also alleged the pair ordered Miss English to sign over her Mini Cooper car to them and took Miss English parents’ television.

Mr Pearson said: “The family were in fear and they feared for their safety.”

Raymond, 22, of Lambeth, London, and Blair, 25, of Caversham, Berkshire, did not enter pleas when they appeared at Colchester Magistrates’ Court on Friday.

They are charged with kidnap, unlawful imprisonment and theft of a motor vehicle.

Both were remanded in custody until a hearing at Chelmsford Crown Court in February.