Robbers tied up and assaulted a man in his home.

The man returned to his flat in East Hill, Colchester, at 1am yesterday. He expected friends to follow on and left his front door unlocked for them to get in later.

But then he looked outside and noticed people acting suspiciously near a friend's motorbike.

As he went to investigate, he was confronted by three people making their way upstairs.

He was bundled back into his flat where the three put tape over his mouth and tried to tie him up.

Acting Det Sgt Carl Dines said: "They then burgled the premises. They went round helping themselves. The incident ended when the man's friends arrived shortly afterwards."

Det Sgt Dines added: "The man was subjected to a common assault but did not receive any injuries."

Two women have been charged with robbery in connection with the incident and were due to appear at Colchester Magistrates' Court today.

A man has been arrested and bailed. If anyone has information, contact police on 01206 762212 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111

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