SURREY Police are appealing for witnesses after four men attacked and threatened a family with crowbars during a burglary in Farnham.

The incident happened in Upper Hale Road at 8pm last night (Monday January 18) during which a quantity of high-value gold was taken.

The four men, all wearing masks and gloves, forced their way into the address. Three were armed with crowbars.

Four members of a family were home at the time, including a boy in his early teens, a husband aged in his 50s and wife aged in her 40s and an elderly woman aged in her 70s.

The boy was punched by one of the men and pinned to the floor while the other three searched the home.

His father was attacked with a crowbar and suffered cuts to his arms and legs. He was treated at hospital for his injuries but has since been discharged.

The two women were both threatened with the crowbars and had jewellery forcibly taken from them.

One man is described as tall and of medium build. He was wearing all black trousers, a shirt, black denim jacket and his mask is described as similar to tights material.

A second man is described as around 5ft 8 inches tall, of medium build and wearing all black clothing with a black mask.

A third man is described as the same except he is black and was wearing a white mask.

The fourth man is described as around 5ft tall, of muscular build. He was wearing a dark coat with a hood up, a balaclava and thick fabric gloves. He also had brown eyes.

Investigating officer Detective Sergeant Andy Greaves said: “This was a terrifying ordeal carried out by four dangerous men who attacked and threatened this family in their own home.

“One of the men punched and then pinned the youngest member of the family down while the others went and ransacked the home. They used their weapons to attack and threaten an unarmed family which included a boy and elderly woman.

“These actions are appalling and have no place in society. If you know who these four men are then please contact us immediately. If you saw anything suspicious in the area before this happened or afterwards please get in touch.

“If you wish you can report any information in complete anonymity to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”

You can also report it online at www.surrey.police.uk or call 101 and quote the reference number P16013510.