A pair of knife-wielding robbers broke into a Kenley house and stole more than £8,000 worth of jewellery from a terrified family.

A 54-year-old man was woken by the sound of glass breaking downstairs at his house in Pondfield Road at about 5.30am on Tuesday, January 26.

He went downstairs and was confronted by two men in balaclavas armed with knives who threatened him and demanded money and jewellery.

Despite handing these over, the burglars continued to search the house.

It was only when the pair demanded the victim's car keys and went outside that he managed to lock them out and call the police.

Officers arrived and searched the area but the suspects had already escaped.

The man's wife and two children were in the house during the ordeal, although did not see the robbers. No one was injured.

About £1,300 in cash and £8,000 of Asian gold jewellery, including necklaces and earrings, was stolen.

The two suspects are described as aged about 20 with Asian accents, between 5ft 8ins and 5ft 10ins.

They were wearing dark clothing and had their faces covered with balaclavas and goggles.

Croydon police are now appealing for anyone who might have information about the burglary to come forward.

Detective Constable Paul Holmes, from Croydon CID, said: "This was clearly a very frightening incident for the homeowner who awoke to find himself confronted by knife-wielding burglars.

"We are appealing for anyone who saw them in the area, either before or after the incident, or anyone who may have been offered this jewellery for sale since to contact us."

Anyone with information should call Croydon CID on 0203 276 2183 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111