Police have launched a probe after an elderly woman reported a gang broke into her home late last night and demanded jewellery.

The woman in her 80s reported the gang of men broke into her address in Willowdene Court in Warley, Brentwood, at around 10pm yesterday.

The men, described as wearing masks and black gloves, stole the woman’s wedding ring before making off in an SUV style vehicle similar to a VW Touran.

Two of the men are described as wearing navy blue or grey clothing and one man was allegedly holding a crowbar.

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An Essex Police spokesman said: "We are working to establish whether this and a similar aggravated burglary in Waltham Abbey on the same night are linked and these enquiries are ongoing.

"We need anyone who saw anything or has any CCTV, dash cam, or doorbell footage to contact us."

Anyone with information can submit a report online at essex.police.uk or use the 'Live Chat' button to speak to an online operator between 7am-11pm quoting crime reference number 42/151365/22.

Police can also be called on 101 or members of the public can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.