An appeal has been launched to find three masked men who forced their way into a Hitchin home and threatened a woman, who was with her two children at the time.

Police have today launched an appeal for witnesses and information after three men entered a home in Strathmore Avenue and threatened a woman who was with her two children.

The masked offenders then searched the property taking cash, Asian jewellery – gold earrings with black and white stones. a plain gold chain necklace and two gold coloured bangles – and an iPhone 5S before leaving.

The robbery took place at around 7.30pm on Thursday, December 8, and officers are urging anyone with information to come forward.

Det Con Jeanette Walker, who is investigating, said: “This was obviously a terrifying ordeal for this family who are being supported by officers at this time.

“We believe that this was a targeted attack and officers are working hard to identify the culprits.

“I am appealing for anyone who saw anything suspicious in the area around the time stated to get in touch. I’d also like to hear from anyone who believes they may have been offered the stolen items for sale.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Herts police via the non-emergency number 101, quoting crime reference G1/16/3140.

Alternatively you can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or through their anonymous online form at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.