A KNIFEMAN demanded that a 36-year-old woman hand over jewellery and cash after he and another intruder broke into her home at Invicta Road, Sheerness. The men, both wearing balaclavas, took almost £1,600 worth of items after confronting the woman in her bedroom where she was reading with her baby.

A police spokeswoman said one man, carrying a combat-style knife with a serrated top edge, told the woman to give them her valuables which included £800 worth of jewellery and £330.

The incident happened on Wednesday night between 11pm and 11.37pm while the woman's 14-year-old son was downstairs. The haul also included a Sony playstation with six games valued at £200 and 25 compact discs woth £250. No one was hurt.

The man carrying the knife is described as 6ft tall with blue eyes and of slim build. He wore a blue-black sports jacket, blue Adidas jogging bottoms and blue Reebok classic trainers. The second man is about 5ft 5ins tall with a stocky build. He wore a brown suede jacket with white gloves and blue jeans. Both spoke with a southern accent.

Anyone with information is asked to ring Swale police on 01795 477055 or contact Crime Stoppers on 0800 555111.