Husband and wife suffer serious burns after burglars pour boiling water over them

A husband and wife have suffered serious burns after burglars poured boiling water over them during a "horrendous" two-hour ordeal in Kent. Police say three men broke into the couple's home in Halstead and demanded money.

The pair were then tied up, beaten and threatened at knife-point. The husband and wife – both in their 60s – were left with possible "life changing" injuries after then being scalded with boiling water.

The ordeal, on 26 April between 9pm and 11pm, saw the suspects leave the property off London Road with a quantity of cash.

Sgt Simon Harrold, of Kent Police, said: "The victims of this crime have been subjected to a horrendous ordeal. Both husband and wife have suffered some severe burns and possibly been left with life-changing injuries.

"They are both continuing to require treatment in specialist burns units and I can only imagine the trauma and shock they have suffered."

One of the suspects was described as black, around 5ft10ins tall, while the other two were both white. They were all wearing dark clothing.

Police say they have carried out a number of house-to-house enquiries and are reviewing potential CCTV.

Kent Police has appealed for anyone who saw any people or vehicles acting suspiciously between the hours of 8pm and 11.30pm to call the appeals line on 01622 604100, quoting reference YY/8810/16. Alternatively, contact Kent Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.