This shocking photograph shows the horrific injuries a 70-year-old Kent woman suffered when she was attacked in her own home.

Ann Davis and her husband Gordon, 77, were assaulted by intruders in the quiet village of Elmsted, near Ashford, on Bonfire Night.

The couple were badly beaten and needed hospital treatment for cuts and severe bruising.

They are now recovering at home with their family.

A spokesman for Kent Police said officers were called to Elmsted at around 9.20pm on Saturday, November 5.

Detectives believe three intruders, all of whom were wearing dark clothing, spent around 45 minutes in the couple's farmhouse, stealing a quantity of cash.

Det Insp Eddie Fox, of the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate, said: "I'd like to reassure the community that incidents of this nature are extremely rare.

"We believe this was pre-planned, not opportunistic. This couple or their property was targeted for a reason and we will find out what that reason was.

"The house is in a very remote location so I believe that a vehicle of some sort would have been used.

"People may have seen someone acting suspiciously in the area shortly before or after the incident, or even in the days leading up to it.

"Someone out there knows who was responsible for this horrific beating and I would urge them to come forward with any information they may have."

Anyone with information about the attack is asked to contact the investigation team at Kent Police on 01303 289353, quoting reference number FY/17375/11. Alternatively, call Kent Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.