POLICE are appealing for witnesses following two linked aggravated burglaries in the Bitterne area of Southampton.

The burglaries occurred on Wednesday, March 7 between 8.45pm and 9.45pm.

Three men forced their way into a flat on Thorold Road and threatened a man and a woman.

Following this incident the men forced entry into a second flat and threatened a couple.

During the incidents, the men assaulted the man in the first flat by punching him and also pushed over the man in the second property.

Money, jewellery and electrical items were taken from the flats before the men ran off along St Catherine’s Road.

The men were all wearing dark clothing and gloves, two of the men were wearing balaclavas and one was wearing a beanie hat.

Detective Constable David Barnes said: “This incident was incredibly frightening for the victims involved and we would urge anyone with information to contact us so we can find those responsible.

“This occurred in a residential area during the evening when many people will have been at home.

“If you saw anyone suspicious or any suspicious vehicles in the area please call 101. We also want to hear from anyone with CCTV in the area which may have captured the offenders.

“Incidents like this are rare but understandably can be worrying for local people. Officers area carrying out reassurance patrols in the area.”

Anyone with information should call 101 quoting 44180087430.