A WOMAN and her son were violently attacked in their home by three men who forced their way in.

The victim opened the door and the gang were on her doorstep in Eastbourne.

One of the men brandished a knife as the men pushed their way past her to search the property.

They snatched the boy’s mobile phone and fled from the scene in Foxglove Road.

The incident happened at 8.30pm on Thursday, March 4.

Detective Sergeant Amanda Hover said it was an “isolated incident for the area”.

A 29-year-old man was arrested nearby shortly after the incident. He was held on suspicion of robbery and is currently being interviewed.

Police want to trace the two other men in connection with the offence.

In a statement Sussex Police said: “A man has been arrested following a violent incident at a house in Eastbourne in which a woman and her son were assaulted.

“At 8.30pm on Thursday, March 4, the woman in her forties answered a call at the door at her address in Foxglove Road, Eastbourne, and three men, one in possession of a knife, forced their way past her and began to search the property.

“Suddenly they abandoned their search and ran off, taking the boy's mobile phone.

“A 29-year-old man was arrested in a nearby street shortly afterwards, on suspicion of robbery, and is currently in custody for interview and further enquiries.

“An investigation is continuing to trace the other men reported to have been involved.

“The woman and her son sustained minor injuries and did not require hospital treatment.”

Anyone who saw what happened or who has any information is asked to contact Sussex Police online or by call101, quoting serial 1324 of 04/03.