A family say they are scared to sleep after a gang attacked their home in what police believe was an attempted burglary.

The house in Buxton Road, Waltham Abbey, was targeted at around 11.30pm on Saturday (April 11) when the raiders initially attempted to force open the front door before smashing a window and spraying an unknown substance into the property.

The homeowner, who was sleeping inside the house with his wife and son at the time of the attack, said he shouted at the vandals to leave, but they carried on trying to break down the door.

The man in his 50s, who did not want to be named due to fear of repercussions, said: “There was a loud banging and I looked out the window and saw three hooded men ramming themselves into my front door.

“I shouted at them and asked them what they wanted and one shouted back ‘you know’.

Epping Forest Guardian:

The door was left damaged after vandals attempted to pry it open using a chisel.

“That really freaked us out because we couldn't figure out what they were talking about.

“The only thing we can think of is that there is a bush outside the house that smells like cannabis.

“They may have thought the smell was coming from inside the house.

“We have lived here for 13 years and now we don’t feel safe.

“Even though I shouted, they carried on trying to break down the door.

"I panicked when they sprayed something into the house as I had no idea what it was and I still don't now.

“The window was smashed and the door was attacked with a chisel, I have been trying to fix it myself.

“My wife has been left terrified to fall asleep in case they return.

“It is worrying to think what could have happened if they hadn’t ran away.”

Essex Police are currently investigating the incident.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Pc Rob Guiney at Loughton CID on 101, or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.