Three balaclava-clad men broke into a Dartford home, tied their victims with cable ties and attacked them with a baseball bat earlier this month.

Kent Police is offering a £5,000 reward for anyone who can help trace the assailants of this violent aggravated burglary which left victims needing hospital treatment and one of them requiring several surgeries.

A man and his wife were asleep in their home in Highcross Road, Southfleet, at 10.15pm on July 1 when three men forced their way into the home by smashing the rear patio doors with a paving slab.

The men made their way into the bedroom and assaulted the pair with a baseball bat, restraining them with cable ties.

They also stole jewellery, cash and other personal items from a safe before fleeing.

Both victims were taken to hospital, with the husband suffering from a broken jaw, fractured eye socket, severe swelling and bruising.

He has since undergone surgery to treat some of his injuries.

Highcross Road, below, where the incident took place

His wife also suffered a fractured eye socket as well as other injuries.

Investigating officer Detective Constable Alan Poulton said: “This was a violent robbery by offenders who knew what they wanted.

“This was an isolated incident, albeit an incredibly frightening one for the gentleman and his wife who were asleep when these men forced their way into their home.

“We are pursuing a number of lines of enquiry but would very much like to hear from anyone who may have information about the robbery. If you saw anyone acting suspiciously in the area at the time of the offence or have been offered unique jewellery recently at discounted prices, we want to hear from you as soon as possible.”

A cash reward of up to £5000 is offered to anyone who provides information which directly leads to the arrest and conviction of any person responsible for this crime.

Call DC Alan Poulton on 01474 330600 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.