THREE masked men forced their way into a woman's flat before stealing her safe.

The robbery took place at a flat in Rock Close, Hastings on Monday evening.

The group called at the door of the ground floor flat and forced their way in, demanding that the woman hand over a small portable safe.

They found the safe and made off with it, leaving the 57-year-old woman unhurt but badly shocked and shaken.

The safe, which is 12in by 10in, had a small amount of cash locked inside it.

The group of men are described as wearing grey hooded tracksuit tops.

One was wearing a balaclava and another was wearing a scarf around his face.

Detective Constable Julian Stokes said: "We are keen to speak to anyone who saw anything in that vicinity, in particular a group of men acting suspiciously and entering or leaving the ground floor flat in Rock Place, which is near the main Rye Road in the Ore area of town.

"This an unusual incident, and very upsetting for the woman involved.

"If you can help in any way please contact us online or by calling 101, quoting serial 1137 of 15/01.

"You can also contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111."