A FAMILY was held up in their house by three men who burst into their home armed with a handgun.

The couple and their one-year-old child were inside their flat in Woodmill Lane, Bitterne, around 5pm last night when the terrifying incident unfolded.

Detectives investigating the aggravated burglary, in which a quantity of cash was stolen, say they believe one of the males was carrying a handgun.

Nobody was injured during the raid but the family have been described as "shocked" by police.

Firearms teams were deployed to the area, which is busy with traffic during rush hour, following a 999 call last night.

Two black men and one white man are being hunted by officers who are appealing to the public for help.

The black men are described as aged between 20 and 30 with shaved heads. The white man is in his late teens or early 20s, around 5ft 6ins, skinny and with a spotty complexion.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police in Bitterne on 0845 045 4545.