A house was burgled on the same night as an armed robbery in Burnham.

Thieves forced their way into the property in Marsh Road at about 9:30pm on Saturday 17, just hours after Woodfords Garage, in Maldon Road, was robbed at gunpoint.

They entered the house by removing a window with an unknown implement and then searched through the upstairs bedrooms.

The burglars fled the house empty handed when the owners disturbed them by returning home and drove away in a black Mini.

Hours before, two men stormed into the petrol station, demanding cash.

They snatched the till, which contained a three-figure sum, before feeling on foot to a van parked nearby at about 6pm.

Police believe it is unlikely the two incidents are linked.

Anyone with information on the house burglary should contact detectives at Chelmsford Police Station on 101.