A group of armed thieves raided a home at knife point and assaulted two people.

Up to four men approached a 21-year-old man outside his home in Valkyrie Road, Westcliff just before 12.35am today.

They assaulted him, forced him to open the front door and went inside, where they assaulted a man and a woman aged in their 50s.

The suspects, who were armed with two knives, searched a bedroom and stole an Xbox games console and two mobile phones.

Enquiries are ongoing to find the suspects.

There were believed to be three or four men, who were all described as being black and wore dark clothing.

Police want to speak to anyone who was in the area at the time and saw what happened, or has any information that could assist with the investigation.

Call Southend CID on 101 quoting reference 42/168324/18.

Alternatively, contact the Crimestoppers charity anonymously on 0800 555 111 or use the anonymous online form at Crimestoppers-uk.org