Police have appealed for information after burglars struck at two homes in South 0ckendon including one in which a man was injured.

Three suspects were involved in incidents at Clayburn Gardens and Broxburn Drive, between 10.30 and 10.50pm on Wednesday January 9.

The first burglary happened when three masked men forced their way into a flat at Clayburn Gardens and ordered one of the residents, a man in his 20s, to hand over cash.

When he refused he was assaulted several times and suffered a broken hand, cuts and bruising. He was taken to Basildon Hospital for treatment. The thieves fled with four watches and a small amount of cash.

A few minutes later they forced their way into a flat at Broxburn Drive and again demanded money from the occupant. They left with two mobiles phones. No one was injured but the victim was badly shaken.

The three men were all black, aged between 18 and mid 20s and ranged in height from 5ft 8in and 6ft. They were all wearing dark clothing including hoodies.

Anyone with information about the two burglaries should contact DC John Commons at Grays CID on 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.