ARMED robbers hit Enfield on Monday in a terrifying four-hour crime spree.o

Thousands of pounds worth of cars were taken from four houses during the early hours.

The first break-in was at a house in Albany Park Avenue, Enfield, at 2.40am when a 48-year-old man and 47-year-old woman were woken by the noise of glass being smashed and the front door being forced open.

The couple tried to block their bedroom door but one of the burglars tried to force his way into the room with a 12-inch metal object, claiming to have a gun. However, he ran off when members of the gang shouted at him to go downstairs.

The occupants' car, an R-registration red Subaru Impreza Turbo, was stolen along with two mobile phones. The man who tried to force the bedroom door open is described as black, wearing a grey woollen hat and blue jacket.

Two other armed robberies happened over the next two hours, in Langton Avenue, Whetstone, and Heather Gardens, Romford, when a blue Subaru and blue BMW were stolen. The BMW was later found in Southsea Road, Tottenham.

The fourth robbery which is linked was at 6.15am in Waterfall Road, Southgate, when a man forced open the front door and demanded car keys. Police believe he threatened the couple who lived there with a gun. However, the man and his accomplices ran off before he got the keys.

On all the occasions, between three and five black men in their 20s were involved. No shots were fired although several guns and pistols were seen during the raids.

Detective Chief Supt Dick Quinn, of the London Crime Squad, is overseeing the investigation.

He said: "These are very serious crimes and it is unacceptable that people have suffered the invasion of being robbed at gunpoint in their own homes.

"Whilst these incidents are of a very serious nature I would like to stress that this type of offence is not the norm and I would urge the public not to be unduly worried."

He added: "I would like to take this chance to reassure Londoners that everything possible is being done to track down those responsible and ensure they are arrested."

If you have information on any of the four robberies, you can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.