Thieves armed with knives and screwdrivers snatched jewellery from people and stole their mobile phones while they were having dinner at their home.

Police are appealing for witnesses, information or dashcam footage in relation to the burglary at a house in Gammons Lane, Watford, between 6.40pm and 6.50pm last night (Saturday October 21).

After leaving the victims “extremely shaken” but uninjured following the incident, the four thieves then left the house and joined a further person waiting outside.

They left the scene in a dark-coloured BMW 1 Series car, driving along Gammons Lane before turning right onto St Albans Road.

Detective Constable Matt Cox said: “This kind of burglary is very unusual. Thankfully the victims were not injured but were left extremely shaken from their ordeal.

“I would urgently appeal to anyone who was in the area who might have seen anything to get in touch with police, particularly drivers who might have dashcam footage of the offenders’ vehicle.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Watford Local Crime Unit on the non-emergency number 101, quoting crime reference C4/17/3128.