POLICE are hunting two men who burst into a house and threatened a homeowner with a machete and handgun before stealing thousands of pounds.

Police are appealing for any witnesses who were in Jasmine Close, Canvey, on Wednesday at about 6.30pm.

An police spokesman said: “Two men got into the property and threatened the occupant with a machete “A handgun was also brandished.

“They left after stealing thousands of pounds in cash, an iPad and jewellery.”

The two men, both said to be black, drove off in a car.

The indident happened next door to Canvey councillor Steven Cole, whose wife was at home at the time with their two-year-old daughter Elise and three-weekold newborn, Oliver.

The Independent councillor was at a council meeting and was left “petrified” when he received a text from his wife saying the police had been inquiring about the incident.

Mr Cole said: “I just wanted to get home to my wife and my kids as quickly as possible.

“I went to the council meeting and got a text from my wife at about 7.20pm saying the police had been knocking about a burglary next door.

“So naturally I was really worried and rushed straight back home as soon as I could. My wife was absolutely petrified. She’s just had a baby so we have two children at home now. To know someone just forced their way into next door’s home and threatened them is awful.

“My wife just wants out of Canvey as soon as possible.

“She has had enough with the crime here. All our windows and doors are bolted now and she’s scared to be anywhere near the house.

“You just don’t expect this kind of thing to happen.”

Anyone with any information can contact Det Con Chris Adam at Southend CID on 101 or call Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.