Four masked burglars attacked two people in their own home leaving a woman with a broken hip and foot.

The group raided the house in Hamilton Road, Hunton Bridge, in the very early hours of this morning; between 12.55am and 1.05am.

They got into the house and assaulted a man and a woman before stealing a wallet and a mobile phone.

Police responded quickly sending a dog unit to the area, searching along Hamilton Road towards Gallows Hill after reports the suspects were seen fleeing in that direction.

But the search proved in vain and no one was found. The mobile phone was found however, thrown away in Old Mill Road.

The victims are being supported by police officers and have been left "distressed" by the incident, police say.

Detective Sergeant Robert Muir, from the Three Rivers Local Crime Unit, is appealing for information.

He said: “This was a very distressing incident and the victims are being supported by officers. We are doing everything we can to trace those responsible and patrols are being increased in the local area to provide reassurance to residents while we do this.

“I am appealing for anybody who might have seen what happened, or seen suspicious activity in the area, to get in touch. Any information you have, no matter how small it might seem, could be vital to the investigation.

“The stolen mobile phone has been found discarded in Old Mill Road. If you saw suspicious activity around this area, I would encourage you to get in touch.

“If you can help please call 101 or email me at robert.muir@herts.pnn.police.uk quoting crime reference 41/45437/18.”