Police are appealing for information after three hooded intruders broke into a flat in Salfords and threatened the occupants with weapons.

The break-in happened in Brighton Road in the early hours of today.

The flat's occupants were disturbed by the sound of breaking glass between 1am and 2am.

They were then confronted by three intruders dressed in dark clothing and wearing hoods.

Two of the raiders were said to have threatened the occupants with weapons before they all fled empty-handed. A Surrey Police spokeswoman said: “It is believed that they forced entry to the property through the front door, which is to the rear of the property and behind a row of shops on the Brighton Road at Salfords.”

She said: “One of the victims was able to give police a description of the vehicle believed to have been used by the suspects as a small dark coloured hatchback-type vehicle.” Investigating Officer, Detective Sergeant Sailesh Limabchia of East Surrey CID, said: "Coming face to face with intruders in their home in the early hours of the morning was understandably a very frightening ordeal for the occupants. "We take offences such as burglary very seriously, and I would like to assure the residents of Salfords that we are doing everything possible to bring those responsible to justice.

"I am appealing to the local community to help identify these people and am urging any witnesses who may have seen anything suspicious in the area, or anyone who may have any information about the incident, to contact Surrey Police, as their information may be vital to the investigation."

At the current time, three men are in police custody and helping officers with their enquiries.

The spokeswoman said: “Following the incident, local neighbourhood officers are carrying out high-visibility patrols of the area to reassure residents and update the community.

“Police believe this to be an isolated case.”

Anyone with information or who may have seen anyone acting suspiciously, is urged to contact Surrey Police on 101, quoting reference 45140008407, or the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.