A woman woke to find men in her house.

Police are appealing for information following the incident in The Rise, off Hermitage Lane, East Grinstead, in the early hours of January 23.

The 40-year-old homeowner woke shortly after midnight to find two or three men in her house.

They demanded money but she did not have any so she called her 18-year old son.

He came over from a nearby address but also did not have what the men wanted.

The son was punched in the stomach and he sustained a minor facial injury.

The men left, taking with them the woman's mobile phone and a number of pieces of designer clothing.

There was no sign of forced entry, no weapons and no vehicle was seen.

Detective Constable Rebecca Buckley said; "The circumstances are not yet clear, but at this stage it seems possible that it was not a random incident.

"If you were in the area in the early hours of Friday morning and saw anything suspicious please contact us on 101@sussex.pnn.police.uk or call 101, quoting serial 147 of January 23.

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