A man has ben jailed after an aggravated burglary in north Essex where a couple were subjected to a “horrific ordeal” in which they were threatened with a firearm, metal bar and sprayed with an unknown substance.

Michael Jangdhari-Mayo, 31, of Warwick Road, Clacton, was sentenced to 11 years at a hearing yesterday at a Chelmsford Crown Court.

He had been found guilty of aggravated burglary by a jury on Monday, November 27, following an incident in Jaywick.

At around 9pm on Thursday, June 22, a woman heard noises at her home which turned out to be suspects forcing entry to the property off Midway, Jaywick.

Essex Police said three men ran inside the property armed with weapons and wearing scarfs across their face.

They then threatened to shoot a man, who was also inside, before hitting him around the head with a firearm, kicking and hitting him on the floor before tying him up and spraying him in the face with a liquid.

The woman, who had locked herself in the bathroom, bravely came out to check on her partner but was punched in the face and also sprayed with the unknown liquid.

The suspects searched the flat and left stealing three figure sum of cash along with jewellery and other personal items.

The victims were taken to hospital for their injuries.

Police arrested Jangdhari-Mayo on Wednesday, July 5, and he was later charged. The two other suspects remain outstanding.

Investigating officer Dc Robin Coltman said: “Jangdhari-Mayo subjected the victims to a horrific ordeal in an armed attack with a high level of violence.

“He has shown no remorse for his actions and forced the victims to wait for justice by pleading not guilty and taking the case to trial.

“He will now face a lengthy prison locked in a prison cell.”

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact Clacton CID on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.