FIVE men armed with knives smashed windows and threatened occupants as they tried to force their way into a home in Harwich.

The attempted aggravated burglary took place at a property in Stour Road at around 12.15am today.

Essex Police said the men were "unsuccessful" in their attempt to force their way in.

A force spokesman added: "They then damaged a number of windows while threatening the occupants before leaving.

"The suspects have been described as being aged in their 20s and we believe four were white and one was black.

"We also believe four of the suspects wore black jackets and one wore a green jacket.

"We are treating this as an isolated and targeted incident with no wider risk to the public."

Anyone with information is asked to contact Det Sgt Dan Jeffries, at Clacton CID, on 101 quoting incident number 11 of 12/04 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.