A mother and her eight-year-old son were held at knifepoint and robbed in their own home after three young men burst in last Wednesday September 21.

It is believed the three suspects barged into the house in Albert Road, Romford, around 7.30pm, while the husband of the woman had popped to the shop.

Police said the suspects had brazenly knocked on the door and when it was opened, barged into the house, pushing and threatening the family at knifepoint before rifling through their things.

The robbers, one of which was armed with a knife, stole �1,000 in cash, two laptops and an Xbox.

Cllr Frederick Thompson (Romford Town ward) urged residents to be cautious when answering their doors to strangers.

He added: “It’s a nasty crime and they obviously had been casing the house for a while. You can’t be too careful unfortunately. I would urge people to check through a window first before opening the door to someone they don’t know. You have to be vigilant, especially telling children not to open doors unless they’ve been given permission by parents.

“I have every sympathy for the family. It’s such a frightening thing to have so many people break into your house at once.”

The suspects are described as all aged between 18 and 22 and Black.

The first robber is described as 185cm tall, wearing a blue hoodie and white beanie. The second is 170cm tall, stocky and wearing a grey jumper with a black pattern. The third is described as 170cm tall and skinny.

Police are still hunting the young men and have urged anyone with information to call DC Butler at Romford Station on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.