Detectives believe a couple who were assaulted in their Long Stratton home on Saturday night were targeted for their business takings.

In a ten-minute ordeal the couple, who are business owners in the area, were threatened and assaulted by three intruders who forced their way into their home.

Police are hunting for the unidentified attackers - believed to be three males - after the robbery at the house on Flowerpot Lane at around 8.30pm.

A spokesperson from Norfolk Police said: 'It is not unreasonable to think that they were targeted because they would be coming home with their takings.'

The quiet rural community has been left shocked after the incident and police are asking anyone with information to come forward.

The suspects threatened the occupants, before assaulting them.

The thieves then carried out a search of the house, before making off with cash.

Neighbours nearby said they knew nothing of the incident until the next morning, when they were alerted by the presence of the police.

Norfolk Police detectives have admitted they have scant details of the attackers, and urged the public to come forward with any information.

Detective Sergeant Mark Joyce, the officer leading the investigation, said police forensic teams had been on site well into Sunday, and enquiries are being made.

'We are going to be relying on people who saw anything outside the property,' he said.

'Sightings of a suspicious car or anyone who looked like they may have been up to no good around the time of the incident, or anything else which may help, could make the difference.'

Word of the incident spread quickly yesterday.

Des Fulcher, a Conservative South Norfolk district councillor for Long Stratton, said the reaction had been 'shock and surprise'.

'I've never heard of anything like this happening here before and it's very much surprised people.

'The main thing is making sure the people affected are okay and hopefully the police can catch the people who did it,' he said.

•Anyone with information should contact DS Mark Joyce at Norwich CID on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.