A pensioner was battered around the head and left tied to a bed by a masked gang of would-be burglars.
The 78-year-old man was left with a gash above an eye following the terrifying attack.
He was at his home, in Alma Close, Wickford, when he answered a knock at the door to find three men on his doorstep wearing balaclavas.
They forced their way in before turning off all the lights and demanding the man hand over his cash.
When the victim told the thugs he did not have any money, they beat him around the head with a metal object, before tying him to a bed and fleeing empty-handed.
The victim later managed to free himself and raised the alarm.
Acting Insp Mark Rayner, of Basildon police, said: "This was a terrifying ordeal for the elderly victim, who was not only beaten and injured during the attack, but also tied up by those responsible.
"We would urge anyone who saw anything, or who may know those behind the attack, to contact us as soon as possible."
Following the incident, which happened at around 8pm on Wednesday, one shocked neighbour told how he saw the attackers fleeing the scene.
He said: "I just returned from work and was getting out of the car when I heard a noise.
"When I turned around, I saw a group of men running across the drive who disappeared into small woods at the edge of the drive.
"These guys looked purposeful, not just youngsters messing about. I couldn't see their features, but they looked well-built and from the way they ran they were pretty fit."
Paramedics were called to the man's home at around 8.30pm and treated him at the scene for the injury to his eye.
The three men are all described as white, around 5ft 11ins tall. All were wearing balaclavas and dark clothing.
Anyone with information should call police on 01268 532212.
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