Appeal after gang of thieves target homes in Braintree and Uttlesford

Officers were called to London Road, Great Notley around 9.10pm on Sunday following reports four men had broken into a property.

The men are understood to have stolen jewellery from inside before leaving the area in a white Audi Q2 around 9.20pm.

Police were then called to an address in West Road, Stansted, 30 minutes later after receiving reports four men had got out of a white Audi Q2 and broken into a home.

It was also reported that one of the occupants was threatened with a knife, whilst other occupants were assaulted and verbally threatened.

A number of jewellery items were taken.

One victim was treated for minor injuries.

Essex Police says it is treating the two incidents as linked and is now appealing to the public for information.

A spokesman added: "Our detectives would like to speak to anyone who has information about either incident or if you were in the areas around the time and witnessed any suspicious behaviour or have dash cam footage.

"We're also keen to hear from anyone who live on either of the roads or neighbouring streets and have ring doorbell footage."

Anyone with information is asked to contact Braintree CID on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously, quoting 42/140694/19 for the Great Notley incident or 42/140397/19 for the Stansted incident.