POLICE investigating a terrifying aggravated burglary in Redditch have released an e-fit image of one of the offenders.

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, burst 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 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.

One of the offenders is described as white, of scruffy appearance, with dark brown hair, untidy eyebrows, a dark brown goatee beard, and a gaunt face. He was wearing a baby blue hoodie with writing across the top possibly saying Reebok and a grey blue scarf across his face. He was in his late 20s and appeared older than his accomplices.

Police would like to hear from anyone who recognises the e-fit or the description or anyone who saw or heard anything suspicious in either Mainstone Close or Ibstock Close between about 7.30pm and 9pm.

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.