Police are appealing for information about an aggravated burglary in Erriff Drive, South Ockendon, at around 8.50pm yesterday.
Essex Police received reports that four men armed with knives were attempting to gain access to a property by kicking a front door.
After forcing entry and carrying out a messy search inside, they escaped empty handed.
Police understand that the men wore masks and one was wearing a white jacket and carrying a black backpack, the others were dressed in dark clothing.
A man inside the property ran from the address and was chased by the group towards nearby shops and escaped unharmed.
Officers are appealing for anyone who has CCTV or dash cam footage between 8.30pm and 9.30pm to call Grays CID on 101 quoting crime reference 42/157796/18 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
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