Police are investigating two ‘frightening’ burglaries in Essex where armed men broke into homes in Witham and Braintree.

Three men wearing masks and armed with hammers broke into an address in the Clarks Wood Drive area of Braintree at around 7.30pm on Friday, November 10, making off with jewellery and a phone.

The same night, three men armed with screwdrivers forced their way into a home in Howdridge Road at around 8pm.

They stole a handbag and jewellery.

Detective Inspector Kev Hughes said police were looking into whether the two burglaries were linked.

He said: “These were both frightening incidents for those involved.

“We are investigating whether they are linked due to how they were carried out, the time frame in which they took place, and the distance between two the properties.

“I need anyone who may has seen what happened or has any information about either incident to contact Braintree CID.

“No-one should face this kind of incident, let alone in their own home, and it is really important we find those responsible.”

If you have any information about these incidents please contact Braintree CID on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.