A WOMAN was left terrified after raiders threatened her with knives and a gun during a violent raid on her home.

Two men who were armed with a number of weapons forced their way into the woman’s home, in Avon Way, Colchester.

Once inside, one of the raiders restrained the woman, aged in her twenties, while the other tried to steal her TV.

But the bungling pair failed to successfully remove it and both men fled the property empty handed.

The victim was left unharmed.

Detectives are now appealing for anyone to come forward with information about the raid.

Both men are said to have been of mixed heritage and had short black afro-style hair.

One is described as being slim and six feet tall.

The second man is thought to be under five feet tall and of "chubby" build.

Investigating officer Dc Danielle Markoutsis, of Colchester CID, said: “This was a particularly terrifying incident where men have entered a property armed with weapons in the middle of the day.

“We suspect that this incident to be a case of mistaken identity and we are treating this as an isolated incident.

“Since the incident was reported we have carried out house to house enquiries and have spoken a number of witnesses. “

The raid took place on just before 3pm on Wednesday.

Anyone with information should contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.