THREE teens have been arrested after an armed burglary at a block of flats which left the victims “incredibly distressed”.

Police were called after reports that a group of boys had forced their way into the flats in Rectory Road, in Hadleigh, before causing damage to a communal room.

A police spokesman said: “The occupants were incredibly distressed by this incident, but were not hurt.

“Nothing is believed to have been taken during the burglary.

“Later that evening, whilst officers were searching for the group, a further call was received from a resident on Templewoods Drive raising concerns about suspicious activity near their address.

“The descriptions matched the group that we wanted to speak to in connection with the alleged offence in Rectory Road.”

Officers arrested a 15-year-old on suspicion of using violence to secure entry, criminal damage, possession of an offensive weapon and possession of class B or C drugs.

A 14-year-old year old was also arrested on suspicion of possession of an offensive weapon, using violence to secure entry, possession of cannabis and two counts of assaulting a police officer.

A third boy, aged 15, was later arrested on Daws Heath Road on suspicion of aggravated burglary and using violence to secure entry.

All three have since been released on bail until January 8.

Castle Point councillor Bill Sharp said: “There has been a lot of anti-social behaviour, including burglaries, in the Hadleigh area.

“It seems to be increasing in the whole of the country but certainly in Hadleigh we have noticed it.

“I was burgled twice in my old home over last three or four years.

“But it does now seem young teenagers are really not concerned about what they do and the stress they cause.”

“I’m delighted the police have done such a good job in finding them and arresting them, and taking them off the streets.

“I hope they are suitably punished should they be charged, and I hope residents in our borough won’t be afraid because the law is working on their behalf.”