A 72-year-old woman suffered a head injury after two men broke into her house to burgle it.

Police are appealing for information following the aggravated burglary shortly before 4.30am in Creephedge Lane, East Hanningfield, today.

Two men gained entry into a property by unknown means and assaulted the 72-year-old woman who lived there.

She suffered a head injury and was taken to Broomfield Hospital.

The men have stolen a large quantity of jewellery, watches and an air weapon.

The men are described as being around 5ft 8in to 5ft 10in tall with tanned skin.

Senior Investigating officer DCI Josie Haye said: “This was a vicious attack on an elderly woman in her own home and I am appealing for any witnesses to come forward.

“This incident occurred in a rural area and we’d like to speak to anyone who may have been in the Creephedge Lane area of East Hanningfield or in the wider locality that may have seen any suspicious people or vehicles in the area either prior to or after this incident/

“We’d also like to ask residents to keep an eye out for any discarded items in the area and report them to us immediately.

“If you have any information about the incident, however small, please contact the serious and organised crime unit on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”

Witnesses can also fill in the online form anonymously at crimestoppers-uk.org