A teenager was hit across the face as four men threatened him and a woman with a screwdriver during an "aggravated" burglary.

Detectives have launched an investigation after the break-in between 8pm and 9pm yesterday in Berry Avenue, Watford.

The gang forced their way in to the property through the front door and threatened the occupants, a woman in her 40s and the 16-year-old boy, with the weapon.

Herts Police have confirmed the boy suffered no physical injuries despite being hit across the face.

Searching the property, the suspects, who spoke with strong Irish accents, demanded to know if there was any jewellery in the house before leaving in a grey Range Rover Evoque.

At this stage, police believe nothing was stolen.

Detective Sergeant Ayodeji Afolabi said: “We are providing support to the victims as they recover from their ordeal, while we explore all avenues of enquiry.

“Scenes of crime officers are currently working at the address to secure all possible evidence, and we have already conducted house to house enquiries in the immediate area.”

The force have asked anyone who thinks they may have seen a vehicle matching the description entering or leaving Berry Avenue last night to get in contact.

The detective sergeant added: “If you live in the vicinity of the area and have a doorbell camera or CCTV fitted to your property, we ask that you please check the footage captured between 7.30pm and 9pm yesterday evening and contact us if you believe you have recorded something of note.”

Information can be reported online or by calling 101, quoting reference 41/81400/23.