Two brothers have today told how they thought they were going to be killed by masked armed raiders.

Eastern Daily Press: Brothers David and Scott Chalmers sustained various injuries after burglars raided their home in Beccles. Pictured is David Chalmers.Brothers David and Scott Chalmers sustained various injuries after burglars raided their home in Beccles. Pictured is David Chalmers.

Scott Chalmers, 21, and his 20-year-old brother David needed hospital treatment and were left terrified following the ordeal in their home in Beccles.

The former youth boxers managed to fight off the three intruders, who were said to have been armed with iron bars and knives.

The brothers' father, Alistair Chalmers, said: 'I asked the boys what they thought the men were trying to do and they both said without hesitation 'they were trying to kill us'. I hope the police treat this as an attempted murder.'

The raiders fled empty-handed, while the boys had minor injuries.

Mr Chalmers, 54, spoke out after the terrifying ordeal suffered by his sons in the house at Ellough Road, in Beccles.

'I could have lost both or one of my boys, or they could have been seriously hurt – we are all in shock,' he said.

David Chalmers said: 'We were watching a film in the living room with our four friends when there was a knock at the back door, which Scott went to answer.

'Then next thing these men were demanding 'Give us all your stuff'.'

During the attack, two girls, who were part of the group of friends watching the film, managed to escape through the front door and used a neighbour's phone to contact the police, who quickly arrived at the scene.

The two brothers, who fought off their attackers with the help of friends, were then taken to the James Paget University Hospital, in Gorleston, where they were treated for minor injuries, including cuts and bruises to face and arms, before being released.

Detectives are now investigating the incident which happened on Friday at 9.30pm.

Alistair Chalmers added: 'Three or four weeks ago the boys mentioned rumours of a gang going round Beccles demanding computers, laptops, bikes and stuff like that. I cannot believe this has happened.'

A Suffolk police spokesman said: 'An investigation is under way. No one has been arrested for this crime and at this moment we have not linked this incident with any other crimes in the area.'

The suspects are thought to have left the scene in a silver-coloured vehicle.

Anyone who witnessed the incident, saw the car, or has any information about those involved is asked to contact Lowestoft CID on 101 quoting crime reference 37/25667/16 – or alternatively call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.