An elderly woman was tied up, doused with bleach and beaten with a screwdriver by three violent burglars who forced their way into her home in Sudbury.

The trio stole the victim’s wedding and engagement rings, as well as a quantity of cash during the vicious raid in Sudbury Court Drive.

The victim, who is her 70s, suffered head and back injuries and was treated for shock but escaped serious injury.

Detectives are today appealing for information to catch the three men who initially knocked the victim’s door and asked for a man called ‘O’Brien’.

They left after the victim told them had the wrong house only to return 10 minutes later and force their way in when she opened the door again.

All three are white slim built men, who are believed to be eastern European.

They were all wearing black clothing and one is described as being approximately 5ft 3ins tall and the other two approximately 5ft 8ins tall.

The burglary took place on October 15 at around 7.30pm.

Detective Constable John Gillespie, from Brent Police, said: “This was a cowardly and shocking burglary on a vulnerable elderly woman and I would appeal for anyone who may have seen anything suspicious in Sudbury Court Drive to come forward and help us with our enquiries.

“It is a terrible thing to happen in the place where you should feel most safe and the victim has lost items of high sentimental value.”

Anyone with information should contact Brent CID on 020 8733 3385, 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.