Burglars ransacked a home this week after pulling up in a white Mercedes and smashing their way in.

The criminals parked outside the house in Rayfield, Epping, some time between 4.15pm and 4.45pm on Wednesday (November 18).

After getting out of their luxury car, they kicked through a side gate and then tried to get in by forcing open a rear patio door.

Failing to jemmy the door open, they picked up a garden ornament and smashed it through the glass double glazing.

They then carried out a messy search, turning out cupboards and draws before using cleaning products to destroy evidence.

It is not yet known how many burglars there were, or what they stole.

An email from the Essex Community Messaging service described the suspects as appearing to be Eastern European men.

Anyone with information about the incident should call Essex Police on 101, phone Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.