An Essex family were left shaken after finding three masked men – one armed with a hammer – burgling their home.

The trio men forced their way into the address in Quest Place, Maldon, at about 2.30am on Sunday.

Detective Inspector Gary Biddle said: “One of the burglars threatened one of the victims with a hammer before all three fled the scene.

“Fortunately, the family – a man and a woman aged 45 and their 20-year-old son – were not injured, but were left very shaken.

“Any information, however small, could help us identify those responsible and bring them to justice.”

It is not believed anything was stolen.

The suspects wore balaclavas and gloves. One wore a red jumper with black on the sleeves and black trousers. He was about 5ft 9in and of medium build. Another was shorter and wore a dark hooded top.

Call Chelmsford CID on 101, quoting 42/116028/18.