GUNMEN burst into a Southend flat and threatened two brothers inside.

The group of between eight and ten black men burst into a flat at Cecil Court, in Jones Close, at about 11pm.

There were two brothers, aged 19 and 24, in the flat and the older sibling was struck in the face with the gun causing cuts and bruising to his face.

No shots were fired and the 19-year-old suffered no serious injury. The men fled the scene when the victims shouted for help.

The black men were all aged 20 to 30. One was very tall at 6 ft 7 ins, aged about 25, with short dreadlocks and a distinctive scar running from his left eye to his lip. He was wearing a black top and faded denim jeans with a red scarf over his face. A second man was 5ft 6ins, in his 20s, slim and wearing a jacket with an Adidas motif.

Police said there was no obvious motive for the attack and it may be the group had thought there was something of value inside.

Anyone with information should call police at Southend on 0300 333 4444 or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.