Burglars forced their way into a house with a knife before crashing the car they tried to flee from police in.

A court heard Remy Cadoret, Romeo Dankwa, both from Hackney, and a 15-year-old boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, broke into the house in Coxwell Close, Seaford, on January 7.

One of the males is believed to have had a knife and assaulted a man in the property.

Bank cards, cash and electronics were stolen during the raid.

The trio tried to escape in a car but police pursued them.

The robbers crashed the car and were all arrested and later charged with aggravated burglary.

Cadoret, 20, of Mayola Road, Hackney, and Dankwa, 20, of Walford Road, Hackney, were found guilty after a three-week trial at Brighton Crown Court, which began on the June 24.

The 15-year-old boy, who is from Bromley, pleaded guilty at Liverpool Youth Court on June 18 and was referred to the Youth Offender Panel.

Cadoret and Dankwa were both sentenced to 42 months’ imprisonment when appearing before Lewes Crown Court on September 20.

Detective Constable Steven Pittman said: “Sussex Police takes a firm stance on violent offenders and this result shows our commitment to putting those responsible in front of the courts.

“The group caused huge distress and trauma for the victims. No one should have to suffer a crime of this sort, let alone in their own home.

“I hope we can bring some peace to the victims now they are behind bars, and I hope this will be a deterrent to those thinking of committing an offence.”