AN ELDERLY couple were left traumatised after they woke to discover three youths in their bedroom.The burglars broke into the house in Well Side, Marks Tey, at 11.

By Sharon Asplin

AN ELDERLY couple were left traumatised after they woke to discover three youths in their bedroom.

The burglars broke into the house in Well Side, Marks Tey, at 11.45pm on Thursday by forcing open the front door and breaking the door chain.

They searched the couple's bedroom and stole £2,000 in cash.

The 90-year-old man and his 89-year-old wife, who have not been named by police, are said to be recovering from their ordeal.

Det Sgt Roger Napier, of Colchester CID, said it would have been a terrifying ordeal for the pensioners.

He said: "These people have targeted the vulnerable and elderly, someone had obviously done their research and found out about the area.

"The burglars have probably been prowling round during the day looking for easy targets.

"We want to hear from anyone who saw anyone acting suspiciously during the day on Thursday or anyone who heard anything around the time of 11.45pm."

Det Sgt Napier also advised relatives of vulnerable or elderly people not to store money at home but to pay it into a bank.

Officers were called to the scene to investigate and police tracker dogs led them from the couple's home through Patten Close to Jays Lane.

The youths were all aged between 18 and 20 years old and were wearing dark clothing.

Anyone with any information or who was in the area at the time should call Colchester CID on 01206 762212 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.