HUNDREDS of dollars, four shotguns and a diver’s watch were stolen in a robbery at a remote house.

The 52-year old owner was cut and bruised in a struggle with the intruder when he arrived home.

A 51-year-old friend with him also had her hand bruised in the robbery at about 5.45pm on Wednesday (October 26) at the house off Shillinglee Road, Shillinglee.

The robber also stole a Mercedes ML320 4x4, which was found abandoned at 7pm that evening in a nearby lane.

Sterling notes were stolen alongside the dollars and the licensed shotguns were in their carry cases.

The diver’s watch was a 20-year old stainless steel Seiko Chronograph with a black face and 360-degree turn dial, worth around £300.

The robber is described as being of dark complexion, speaking good English and of Eastern European or Arabic appearance.

About 5ft9in-10in, he was in his early thirties, of average build but with strongly muscular lower arms, and short, dark hair.

He was wearing a dark-coloured, possibly black sweatshirt and jeans or trousers, and a neck warmer covering the lower part of his face.

Detective Constable Jo French said: "The intruder was very threatening and violent, assaulting the couple and putting them in great fear, although they did try to resist him.

"This was a most unusual incident for the area and we think local people may have noticed something suspicious late on Wednesday afternoon."

Contact police via 101@sussex.pnn.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting Operation Sparrowhawk.

Or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 (www.crimestoppers-uk.org).