A MAN suffered a fractured cheek bone after being attacked by a masked gang during an aggravated burglary.

The victim, a man in his 50s, was water his garden at his home near Maldon Road, Burnham, at around 9.50pm on Friday when the incident took place.

Three men jumped over the fence to his garden and assaulted him before stealing jewellery and cash from the property.

Following the assault the gang fled the scene.

The victim managed to alert his neighbours who called for help.

Essex Police and paramedics were rushed to the scene.

The victim suffered a fractured cheek bone in the assault and remains in hospital where he is being treated.

The suspects, who were all wearing masks, are believed to have fled in the direction of the nearby school and field.

Detectives are continuing to investigate the incident and are appealing for any witnesses to come forward with information.

Detective Inspector Jamie Mills said: "This was an extremely nasty and frightening attack on a man in the garden of his own home.

“We are appealing for anyone who was in the area or near to the area at the time who may have seen three men acting suspiciously or running from the scene.

“We would also like to hear from anyone in the area who may have Dash Cam or CCTV footage which could help our enquiries.

"I would like to reassure the residents of Burnham that an incident like this is extremely rare for this area and we have detectives working around the clock and wecare doing all we can to support the victim and catch those responsible.”

Witnesses to the incident or anyone with information can contact detectives at Chelmsford CID on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.