A WOMAN was tied up and violently attacked by a gang of seven men in front of her terrified children.

The raid took place at the family’s home in Bedwell Avenue in Essendon, on Friday.

At around 11.45pm, the balaclava-clad, weapon-wielding men burst into the house demanding cash.

The defenceless woman, in her 40s, was viciously attacked and her two petrified girls threatened.

A large amount of cash, jewellery and a Range Rover – later found abandoned 200 metres down the driveway – were stolen.

The adult victim was taken to the QE2 Hospital with facial injuries and released a few hours later.

Detective inspector Stuart Orton said: “The actions of these offenders were callous.

“The men would have visited the area prior to the offence and I would therefore urge people to think about any suspicious activity they may have seen.

“Any information, no matter how insignificant it may seem could prove crucial to our investigation.”

Call police on 0845 33 00 222.

Read more in tomorrow’s (Wednesday) Welwyn Hatfield Times.