Burglars hit an 83-year-old man in the face with a crowbar in his Reading home before stealing jewellery and cash.

The three offenders forced their way into a house in Keeris Way, Lower Earley, before forcing two men, aged 83 and 61, and a woman aged 80, to open a safe on Friday.

Wearing scarves and masks, they stole the contents and left the 83-year-old man with bruising on his face.

Following the attack, which occurred at around 10pm, none of the victims required hospital treatment.

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Investigating officer, Detective Sergeant Alex Boyce based at Loddon Valley police station, said: “This was a very distressing incident for the victims in this case and officers are continuing to support them at this very difficult time.

“We would ask for anyone with information which could assist this investigation to come forward.

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“If you have any dash-cam footage or CCTV in the area around that time, please could you check it and if you find anything you think could be related, please share it with police.

“Please contact the non-emergency number on 101 or make a report online using the reference number 43210546885.

“Alternatively, you can make a report 100% anonymously by calling the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”