A MASKED gang of thugs threatened and assaulted residents during a terrifying aggravated burglary in Braintree.

The victims were inside the property, in London Road, at about 11.15pm on Sunday when a group of five men broke in.

One of the victims was threatened with a knife whilst a second was assaulted.

Neither sustained serious injuries and nothing was taken from the home.

The gang of thugs fled the home on foot through the back garden.

A spokesman for Essex Police said: "Of the five suspects, three are white and two are black.

"All of them are believed to be aged in their 20s.

"Each of them are thought to be more than 6ft tall.

"One of them, a black man, had a blue boiler suit on while one of the white men wore a bright blue puffa-style jacket.

"Each of the men had their faces covered using masks, scarves and bandanas, and all were wearing hooded jumpers."

Detectives are appealing for witnesses to the incident to come forward.

You can submit a report online at www.essex.police.uk or use the 'Live Chat' button to speak to an online operator between 7am-11pm.

You can also call 101 and cite crime reference 42/18484/21.

Information can also be given to independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or at crimestoppers-uk.org.