HAMMER-wielding thugs smashed a woman's patio doors before trying to rip her rings from her fingers in a terrifying raid.

Police were called to the home in Shoebury Road at around 11.30am after reports of an aggravated burglary on Friday.

The suspects had smashed the rear patio doors of the property and entered while carrying a hammer and a screwdriver.

They then attempted to remove the victim’s rings from her fingers.

The victim, in her 60s, was home alone at the time.

Detectives from Essex Police's Southend Criminal Investigation Department are continuing to investigate this burglary and appealing to anyone who may have any information to contact them.

A spokesman said: "If you have any information or where in the area at the time and may have any CCTV or dashcam footage, please get in contact quoting reference 42/57883/24."

Submit a report on the force's website at essex.police.uk or by using our online live chat service available Monday to Friday - excluding public holidays - between 10am and 9pm.

Alternatively, call police on 101.

To make an anonymous report, contact independent charity Crimestoppers by visiting their website or by calling 0800 555 111.