Four masked men with weapons broke into a house and threatened a family before stealing a safe.

Officers were called to the address in Crown Avenue, Basildon around 10:20pm last night following reports of the group of people breaking in.

The victim was in the house with five young children when four unknown people entered wearing masks and balaclavas.

The suspects then threatened the victim and the children with weapons before stealing items including a safe.

The suspects, believed to be all men then drove off in a grey or silver car.

An Essex Police spokesman said: "Enquiries remain ongoing and no arrests have been made at this stage. We are appealing to anyone who may have witnessed anything in the area or have any further information, CCTV footage or dashcam footage to contact us.

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"If you have any information, CCTV, dash cam or other footage in relation to this incident, then please get in contact with us.

"You can let us know by submitting a report on our website or by using our online Live Chat service available Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays) between 10am-9pm.

"Visit www.essex.police.uk/digital101 to find out more about our website reporting services. Alternatively you can call us on 101. In an emergency always call 999.

"If you would like to make an anonymous report you can contact independent charity @CrimestoppersUK, by visiting their website or by calling 0800 555 111.

"Please quote incident 1304 of 22 December when providing any information to make sure it gets to the right person as quickly as possible."