A man was threatened with a firearm, bound and then dunked into his toilet by burglars who ransacked his south east London home.

The victim, in his 50s, was home alone in his living room on Whateley Road, East Dulwich, when he heard someone coming down the stairs at around 3.30pm.

He assumed it was his partner returning home early and was unconcerned.

Instead, he was confronted by two unknown men, one of whom was holding a firearm.

They demanded money before hitting over the head with the weapon, which they also attempted to discharge unsuccessfully, leading police to believe it may have been an imitation.

The victim struggled with the suspects before they bound his feet and wrists with tape, then shoved him into the downstairs toilet before carrying out an untidy search of the premises.

He was eventually able to escape and alerted his neighbours, who called police. He was subsequently treated for a head injury by the ambulance service. 

The suspects are believed to have fled with a large amount of cash as well as electricals and jewellery.

One of the suspects is described as 'Middle Eastern European', of slight build, in his late teens or early 20s, with dark brown skin, black hair, a black beard and a thin pointed nose.

He did not appear to speak a lot of English and was repeatedly heard to say 'money, money, money'.

The second suspect is described as being an Asian man, possibly south-east Asian, of a stockier build, around 5ft 10ins tall.

He had short black hair and was wearing blue latex gloves.

PC Daisy Puplett, of the Central South Command Unit, said: "I urge anyone who may have been in the vicinity at this time and date and saw two males acting suspiciously to contact us immediately.

“The victim was left terrified following this traumatic incident and we are doing everything we can to find those responsible."

Anyone who has information that could assist police is asked to call 101 quoting reference Cad 4757/23Sept.

Alternatively, tweet @MetCC, or to remain 100% anonymous, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.