THREE masked men burst into a house full of students, attacked them and stole their belongings.

The break-in happened in Beaconsfield Road, Brighton, at 11pm on Monday night.

The house was occupied by a number of university students, who were assaulted and then threatened.

The men stole laptops, mobile phones and cash before leaving.

A member of the public who challenged them as they escaped towards Ditchling Rise was punched in the face close to the Shahi Tandoori restaurant.

The three men, all black, 30 to 35, and wearing dark clothing, then got into a car thought to be a BMW and drove off up Ditchling Rise towards Ditchling Road.

Detective Sergeant Simon Dunn said: “This was a terrifying experience for the victims and we urgently need to speak to anyone who could know anything that could help us.

“We need to speak to anyone who was in Beaconsfield Road or Ditchling Rise on Monday night and anyone that could know who the three men are.

“We also need to trace the member of the public who intervened. If you are him or you know who he is, please call us.

“This was a violent attack on the students in their home and we need to find those responsible.”

Anyone with information should email 101@sussex.pnn.police.uk quoting serial 1655 of 29/09, call 101 or contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.