An elderly mother and her son suffered a terrifying ordeal last week when they were held at gunpoint while their flat was ransacked.

The 81-year-old woman and her 59-year-old son were threatened as burglars stole money from the flat.

The incident last Wednesday between 10.15pm and 10.30pm, saw three men enter a block of flats in South Croydon and force their way into one of the properties.

After breaking in two men ransacked the flat while another threatened the pair with a gun. Police said the men left with money.

It is also believed the three suspects were responsible for a burglary at an empty flat in the same block the same night, where they managed to get away with electronic equipment.

After leaving the block the three men made their way to Birdhurst Road where they got into a car and drove off.

All three have been described as black and in their 20s.

Police believe a man who was seen walking his dog outside the block of flats at the time of the incident could hold the key to the investigation and they are asking him to contact police immediately.

Detective Sergeant Gary Small, the man leading the investigation, said: "This was obviously a very frightening and traumatic experience for the victims and we need to find the people that committed this offence as soon as possible.

"We believe the man who was seen walking his dog could hold some vital information and I want him to come forward, I assure him any information he provides us with will be strictly confidential."

Anyone with information should call Det Sgt Small on 020 8649 1362 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.