Burglars who tied up and threatened their victims with knives when they broke in to a Gravesend home were caught hiding in a weed farm.

Baffour Amponsah, 32, Alfie Taylor, 25, and David Powell, 31, forced their way into an property on Rochester Road, at around 1 am on July 11, 2019.

They woke their two sleeping victims, barging into the bedroom, demanding money.

All three had their faces covered and were holding knives.

The victims were tied up, punched in the head and ordered to lie face down on the bed by one of the men whilst the other two searched the property, taking items of jewellery and cash.

One of the victims managed to overpower the man who was holding them, pushing him out of the bedroom and locking the door.

He then called the police and the suspects fled.

Officers rushed to the scene, and using a police dog were able to track the suspects to a property in Thong Lane.

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CCTV images of the three men

Elizabeth Woods opened the door but tried to stop officers from entering, attempting to set her dog on them.

Inside, a cannabis cultivation of around 40 plants was discovered in a downstairs room.

Officers searched the property and found Amponsah in a bed and Taylor hiding in a wardrobe upstairs.

Jewellery and cash were discovered at the address which belonged to the victims.

Various designer handbags, designer shoes and approximately £5,000 were also seized.

Woods, 27, was arrested alongside Amponsah and Taylor and she was charged with perverting the course of justice, permitting the production of cannabis and possession of criminal property.

Powell was arrested on 14 July when officers spotted him walking along Cruden Road and he was found to have a black face mask and gloves in his pocket.

All four were sentenced at Woolwich Crown Court on Wednesday 26 February 2020.

Amponsah, of Lee High Road, Lewisham pleaded guilty to burglary and was sentenced to nine years’ imprisonment

Alfie Taylor, of Mason Close, Rotherhithe pleaded guilty to burglary was sentenced to eight years’ imprisonment

Powell of Thong Lane, Gravesend was found guilty of burglary by a jury and was sentenced to 11 years’ imprisonment

Woods was sentenced to 15 months’ imprisonment.

Officer in charge of the case, Detective Constable Rebecca Ward said: "This was a violent burglary and an extremely terrifying ordeal for the victims.

"Not only were they threatened with knives and tied up, they were assaulted without being able to defend themselves.

"However, the bravery of one of those victims resulted in him being able to call us while the offenders were still in his home.

"This meant we were quickly at the scene and able to track Amponsah and Taylor to the address at Thong Lane. Despite Woods' efforts to obstruct the officers, they managed to enter that address and gather the evidence to convict them.

"Powell denied his part in the crime but a thorough investigation led to his conviction and I am pleased they are all now rightfully behind bars."