A gang burst into a family home and threatened a man with a gun in front of young children.

The raiders struck the man over the head as they demanded cash and drugs from him.

People living near the house, in Ringmer Close, Moulsecoomb, said a couple who live in the house with their son were being visited by their grandchildren when the attack took place.

They had been working in the back garden and went inside for a drink just before the gang arrived at about 3pm on Saturday.

One man was hit over the head. A neighbour said she had heard he had been hit with a gun.

She said: “The little boy thought his dad had been shot.”

Sussex Police said the man was not seriously injured.

The force issued a statement saying said officers had received a report that a 26-year-old man had been assaulted and threatened by three men who entered his home armed with a gun.

Armed police and the Sussex Police helicopter were sent out to search for the men involved.

They tracked a van up the A23 from Lewes Road in Brighton before forcing it to stop at Junction 10 of the M23.

Three men were arrested but no firearms were found.

Police told The Argus they did not believe the attack was carried out at random but said it was too early to tell why the victims had been targeted.

Detective Inspector Mick Jones, of Brighton and Hove CID, said yesterday: "We are still investigating the circumstances that led to the occupants of the house being targeted in this way.

“There were several young children in the house at the time of the incident and all are understandably very shaken.”

The family left the address on Saturday and it is understood they have not yet returned.

Samuel Tando, 23, of Dominion Road, Croydon, Surrey, was charged with aggravated burglary with intent and possession of crack cocaine. Richard Othol, 23, of Hood Road, Chessington, Surrey, and Simon Qatramiz, 28, of Piddinghoe, near Newhaven, were also charged with aggravated burglary.

All the men were remanded in custody at Brighton Magistrates' Court yesterday.

Anyone with information is asked to call Sussex Police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.