POLICE are still searching for two men after a couple were tied up and beaten in their own home.

The terrifying incident happened at 9.10am on Saturday, when two men arrived at the couple's door, in Halstead Road, Fordham, in high-visibility jackets.

One of the pair was carrying bunches of flowers and claimed they were there to make a delivery.

The men then assaulted the woman, tied her up and demanded property.

Her husband, who was not in the house at that time, heard a commotion and went to investigate.

When he got there, the raiders attacked him and tied him up.

They then took cash and jewellery and left in an unknown vehicle.

The victims, who are aged in their 50s, were taken to hospital with bruising and cuts.

Detective Inspector Steve Nelson, who is leading the investigation, said: “This was a terrifying attack on a couple in their own home and thankfully they were not more seriously hurt.

“We are progressing our enquiries to find these criminals, who were last seen driving away in a vehicle along Halstead Road in the Colchester direction.

“This is a busy road, so I am keen to speak to anyone who was driving along there at the time who has dash cam footage, and from anyone who lives in the area and has CCTV footage.

“I ask people to stay vigilant. If anyone turns up at your door unexpectedly, ask them for identification.

"Genuine callers will have proof of their identity and won’t mind you asking to see it.

“If you have any concerns, call police.”

Anyone with information about the raid should contact 101 quoting incident 441 of November 17.

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