FOUR burglars who threatened to shoot their victims if they did not comply with demands have been sentenced to a total of 39 years in jail.

The men burst into a house in Minard Road, Catford, on December 2 armed with a crowbar, baseball bat and imitation firearm.

They forced the nine residents to lie on the floor and threatened to shoot them unless they handed over mobile phones, wallets and cash.

One of the victims managed to escape and called police at 1am who arrived to find one of the burglars had been overpowered by residents.

The three others escaped out of the back of the house with the stolen items plus £2,555 in cash - but were arrested by officers shortly afterwards.

David Dauverge, aged 40, of Lullingstone Crescent, Orpington, 47-year-old Frederick Braithwaite, from Norwood, and Granville During, aged 27, from Plaistow, all denied charges of aggravated burglary and possession of an imitation firearm.

But they were found guilty of both charges at Woolwich Crown Court and each sentenced to nine years in jail.

Anthony Parnell, aged 25, from Norwood, denied the same charges but was also found guilty of both offences and sentenced to 12 years.

Investigating officer Detective Constable Tim Walter, from Lewisham police, said: "This was an aggressive crime in which the victims were told they would be shot if they did not give in to their demands.

"The offenders all pleaded not guilty to the charges, meaning all the victims had to relive their ordeal by giving evidence in court."