Armed robber punches woman in the face and forces her to open safe in Kingswood home

The man, carrying what is believed to be a firearm, forced three frightened women to take off their jewellery at a property near Kingswood Golf Course at about 5.45pm.

The stocky man in a black balaclava then made the women open a safe where more expensive jewellery was kept. He punched a woman in her 50s in the face and attacked a woman in her 20s.

The shocked pair were taken to hospital with minor injuries and the third woman was left shocked but unhurt.

Detective Inspector Paul Gordon said: "The offender is clearly a dangerous and violent individual who will go to great lengths to get what he wants and anyone who has their suspicions around someone they know should share this information with officers.

"Although the investigation is still in the early stages, it is believed this was a targeted offence and it may be possible that the offender had carried out visits to the area prior to the burglary, if you have seen anything which may connect then please come forward."

The armed robber is a white and about 6ft 4ins and spoke with a London accent. He wore a black jacket and black leather gloves.

Detectives, assisted by police from the Reigate and Banstead Safer Neighbourhood Team, are making enquiries in the local area.

DI Gordon said: "I would appeal to anyone who saw anything suspicious in the area around the time of the offence or has information on who is responsible to contact Surrey Police as a matter of urgency."

He added: "I would urge anyone who either lives or runs a business in the area and who has CCTV on their property to also make contact as this may hold footage vital to our investigation."

Anyone who has been offered jewellery which they believe may have been stolen in this burglary or has any other information should call police on 101, quoting reference 45140095728.

Independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111.