THREE men held a student hostage at gunpoint and threatened to rape her.

Di Zhao, aged 22, of Floyd Road, Charlton, together with Lia Nan, aged 25, and Tong Lui, aged 18, both of Hillreach, Woolwich, broke into the student's accommodation armed with a pistol and knife, Snaresbrook Crown Court heard on June 8.

Nan then held the imitation firearm to the terrified 23-year-old's head while his co-defendants bound and gagged her on January 3 this year.

Zhao held a knife to the woman's throat and threatened to rape her as Nan and Lui ransacked her student flat in Holland Road, West Ham.

Police arrived at the address after receiving an emergency call.

Nan then pointed the gun at the officers for 30 seconds before finally handing over the weapon and surrendering.

The trio, all from China, admitted aggravated burglary and unlawful imprisonment. Nan also pleaded guilty to possessing an imitation firearm.

They were remanded in custody for sentencing on July 2.