POLICE have released CCTV images and appealed for information after a couple and their young child were threatened with a handgun in their home.

The homeowners and their young child were threatened with a handgun during the attack on their house in Blyth Avenue, Shoebury, and the thieves got away with approximately £8,000 worth of jewellery, cash, mobile telephones and an ornamental samurai sword.

The suspects then ran off towards Delaware Road Officers are renewing the appeal for information and hope the public can identify the man pictured in the CCTV as they believe he could be a key witness.

Investigating Officer, Ds Ian Howitt, said: "This was a terrifying ordeal for this couple who had one of their young children with them at the time. The CCTV image of the young man at Thorpe Railway Station was taken a few minutes after the burglary. This man is somebody who we would like to eliminate from our enquiries.”

The three assailants are described as black, aged in their 20s, of slim build and were wearing black duffle coats and balaclavas over their faces.

Anyone with information about the incident, which happend shortly before 10pm on Monday, April 9, should call detectives at Southend police station on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.