Armed burglars force man into handing over Rolex watches and cash worth £70,000 at his Stoke Hammond home

A terrified resident was forced to hand over Rolex watches and cash to a gang of armed burglars who barged in to his Stoke Hammond home.

The victim, who is in his 50s, was relaxing at home on Sunday evening when the four masked men barged in through a patio door.

They were armed with weapons, including a crowbar, say police.

"Force was used against the victim and he was ordered to take offenders to the safe where they then took Rolex watches and cash to a value of around £70,000," said a spokesman.

The four offenders, all dressed in black clothing, gloves and balaclavas, then left the property via the patio door.

Nobody was injured during the burglary, which took place between 9.30pm and 11pm.

Investigating officer Det Con Lauren Suffling, of the Priority Crime Team based at Aylesbury, said: “This was an extremely frightening ordeal for the victim and his family.

“Thankfully, although shaken by the incident, nobody was injured, but a significant amount of property and cash was stolen."

DC Suffling added: “At this time, this is believed to be an isolated incident whereby the victim was specifically targeted.

“I am appealing to anybody who was in the area between 9pm and 11pm on Sunday who believes they may have witnessed this incident to please get in touch with Thames Valley Police.

“You can do so by making a report online or by calling 101, quoting reference number 43210480541. Alternatively, for 100 per cent anonymity, you can call the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”