Five suspects armed with crowbars stole gold jewellery and cash during a break-in at a Purley house.

When the occupants of the home in Purley Rise heard loud banging at the front door at around 10pm on January 25, they went to investigate.

It was then that a group of five suspects, all wearing masks and armed, forced their way into the home.

The suspects demanded gold jewellery, hitting one of the victims on the hand with a crowbar.

After searching the house, the suspects fled with gold jewellery, a Rolex watch and cash.

The investigating officer from Croydon CID, DC Emma Morris, said the incident has had a huge impact on the victims' lives.

She said: "This is a traumatic incident for the victims in their own home.

"It has impacted on them hugely and those responsible must be caught.

"We are seeking anyone who may have any information about the incident to come forward and speak to police.

"We believe a suspicious dark coloured vehicle was seen in the area shortly before the incident. We would urge anyone with any information about this vehicle to contact us."

The London Ambulance Service attended and treated two elderly victims for minor injuries and another victim was taken to hospital with non-life threatening or life-changing injuries and was subsequently discharged.

Anyone with information can contact DC Emma Morris on 07769 922 321 or 101 quoting reference number 8883/25JAN.

Alternatively to remain anonymous call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or visit crimestoppers-uk.org