Burglars who turned and assaulted their victims after being chased from the home they were stealing from are being hunted by police.

Two men pursued the burglars from a home in Ripple Road, Barking, but were then set upon and assaulted.

Officers were called to reports of a residential burglary at around 11pm on Monday, April 1.

After fleeing the scene, the burglars may have escaped in a black taxi (Hackey Carriage) which they had parked on the pavement next top the bus stop which serves the Route 173 and 287 services towards Dagenham, police said.

Witnesses or anyone with information should contact PC Townsend at Barking CID on 020 3276 1043 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.