An elderly man was tied up and attacked in his home by burglars.

The 72-year-old was alone in his house in Common Lane, just north of Garden Pride, in Ditchling, when three men entered the property.

They assaulted the pensioner and tied him up while they searched the house and stole four shotguns and cash.

They untied the man before leaving about 45 minutes later.

The incident happened just after 5.30pm on Thursday evening.

The man was treated at the Royal Sussex County Hospital for minor injuries but was not detained.

Descriptions of the men are limited, but one was stocky, wearing black clothing, with a black woolly hat and a white dust protector type mask over his face.

Detective Inspector Neil Ralph, of Sussex Police, said: "While there have been a number of similar attacks, we believe that the victims have been specifically targeted and the offenders may know their victims.

“If you have any information about the incidents or the offenders, no matter how small or insignificant it may seem to you, please call 0845 6070999 quoting Operation Westdown.

"Alternatively you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111."