WITNESSES are being sought by police after a gang of men burst into a house in Redditch.

It happened in Mainstone Close, Winyates, at about 7.45pm on Sunday, December 1.

Five or six men with their faces covered, some with balaclavas and some with hoods and scarves, came in through the unlocked front door and told the occupants, a woman in her 40s and two teenagers, not to move and to hand over money. They were armed with various tools to use as weapons, including hammers, screwdrivers and a crowbar.

They stole several mobile phones, plus the victim’s black Ford Focus car, which was found abandoned shortly afterwards in nearby Ibstock Close.

The family was not injured, although the woman was treated by paramedics for shock.

Detective Constable Matt Archer of West Mercia Police said: “The woman and her children were extremely shaken by the incident.

“House-to-house inquiries have been carried out in the area and patrols have been increased as a reassurance measure.

“We would like to hear from anyone who saw or heard anything suspicious in either Mainstone Close or Ibstock Close between about 7.30pm and 9pm to contact us.

“We believe the offenders are likely to have had a vehicle, and particularly want to hear from anyone who saw them arrive in Mainstone Close or leave Ibstock Close, or saw a car travelling in convoy with the Ford Focus between the two streets.”

Witnesses or anyone with information are asked to contact Redditch CID on the non-emergency number 101 quoting incident 618-s-011213 or ring the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.