POLICE are appealing for witnesses to an aggravated burglary which occurred at a house in The Sorrells, at Stanford-le-Hope, on Monday 25 March.
The offenders forced their way into a house just before 9.40pm after knocking at the door.
They assaulted a man in the house and then threatened the family with knives.
The four men then carried out an untidy search of the house after demanding money. The thieves then left the house after approximately 30 minutes.
They are believed to have fled on foot after taking an iPad, an iPhone and several hundred pounds in cash. The suspects are described as a white male – aged between 17 and 18 years, a black male aged around 20, one man believed to be of mixed race and a further man.
Anyone with information or who saw any suspicious activity in the area either before of after the break-in is asked to call Essex Police on 101 or ring Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.