A Sydenham man, who forced a Dartford couple to hand over their valuables in their home, has been found guilty of aggravated burglary.

Dean Reid, 31, of Dartmouth Road, forced his way into a property in Elm Road on July 11 last year.

The two residents, a man and a woman, were coming home from walking their dog when Mr Reid ran towards them holding what they described as a handgun.

The pair tried to shut Mr Reid outside but he hit the man on the head using his fist and the weapon, Maidstone Crown Court heard.

He then threatened to shoot the woman if they did not tell him where their valuables were kept.

Mr Reid was arrested on August 5 and subsequently charged with aggravated burglary.

He had denied the charge but a jury returned a guilty verdict at the same court on January 28 after hearing how forensic evidence linked Reid to the scene of the crime.

He is due to be sentenced on March 17.