BURGLARS broke into a Whitehawk home and battered the occupants while they slept upstairs.

The two criminals kicked down the back door of the home in Manor Way, Brighton at 6am on December 24.

The victims, aged 65 and 39, are believed to have been attacked with a brick and iron bar.

They were taken to the Royal Sussex County Hospital with serious but not life threatening injuries.

The suspects fled with the victims' mobile phones.

Detective Sergeant Suzy Maclintock from Brighton and Hove CID said: "We believe this may have been a targeted attack and would urge anyone who knows who was responsible to please get in touch as a matter of urgency.”

The suspects are described as white and were wearing dark clothing at the time of the attack.

Call 101 and quote serial 155 or call independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.