NEIGHBOURS have been left shocked and frightened after a gang of masked men threatened a young family with machetes in a quiet residential street.

The three men kicked open the front door of a home in Varey Road, Durrington, and brandished the weapons before making off with nearly £1,000.

The 30-year-old woman and her 28-year-old partner were watching television while their two children, aged ten and four, were in another room watching a film at just before 7pm on Sunday.

One of the men kicked in the door, demanding money while wielding a machete and swearing.

They fled in a car after being handed around £900 in notes.#

Sam Smith, 24, who lives ten doors away from the scene of the crime said: “I’m shocked, you don’t usually get that kind of thing down this way. It makes me very uncomfortable.”

Emma Batchelor lives across the street from the break-in with her two young sons.

She had just returned from a weekend away when she saw three police cars arrive.

She said: “It makes me scared and worried. It makes me want to move in with my mother-in-law in Wales.

“I’ve got seven and eight year old little boys and they come out here and ride up and down the street, and now I don’t want them doing that,”

One of the men is described as white, 6ft tall, skinny, wearing a black knitted balaclava, black jumper or hoodie, navy blue tracksuit bottoms with white stripes, black knitted gloves and trainers. He spoke with a southern – most likely south eastern accent.

The second man is also described as white, 5ft 6in tall, stocky, with a northern accent, and similarly dressed, all in black.

The third man was 6 ft tall, wearing a balaclava, black gloves and dark clothing.

Detective Constable Lee Simmonds said: "This was a frightening experience for a family relaxing in their own home. We would like to hear from anyone who may have seen or heard anything suspicious at the time and place."

Anyone with information should call 101 or email 101@sussex.pnn.police.uk quoting 1168 of October 16.