A GUNMAN forced a cleaner to the floor and searched a house in Loughton before fleeing empty handed, police have revealed.

The 23-year-old Polish woman was confronted by the armed man when she answered the door at a five-bedroom detached house in Fallow Fields.

The gunman demanded to know where the family were before going upstairs where he searched the bedrooms. He left through the front door. Nothing was taken.

Details of the crime, which happened at about noon on Thursday, December 16 last year, have only just been released by police who had been studying CCTV footage and following up lines of enquiry.

The family are now offering a £10,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the gunman.

The family a husband and wife and their four sons, aged between 12 and 20 live on the gated development which has a security guard. Entry to the homes is monitored by CCTV.

Police say the man visited the area a number of times on the morning of the attack. CCTV footage shows that he was also in the area on the previous Thursday (December 9).

The family have no idea why they were targeted.

The gunman was white, aged 20 to 25, 6ft 1in to 6ft 3ins tall, of slim build with short, dark brown hair. He spoke with a London accent. He was wearing black jeans, a long dark jacket, black beanie hat, white jumper and black trainers with a white stripe.

He was riding a small red and white motorbike or moped, possibly a Honda 70 or 90, with a white box on the rear.

Detective Constable Paul Barry said: "This was a terrifying experience for the young woman cleaner. The family are at a loss as to why they were the target.

"I am asking anyone who may know anything about this attack, particularly among the criminal fraternity, to give information to the police. The family have put up a substantial reward for information that leads to the gunman's conviction."

Anyone with any information should ring police at Harlow on 01279 641212 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.