DETECTIVES in Southampton today appealed for the public's help in catching burglars who bound and gagged a terrified mum in her own home.

Police have issued an urgent appeal for witnesses after two men burst into a family home and forced the woman upstairs, demanding cash.

Mother-of-two Denise Galhanas, 30, has described how she was marched into a bedroom where the intruders threatened her with a screwdriver before taping up her mouth and hands.

As reported in yesterday's Daily Echo, Ms Galhanas managed to raise the alarm by dialling 999 with her free fingers once the pair had fled the property empty handed.

The robbers struck in Argyle Road, Portswood, at 11.50am on Friday, before running into Nichols Road after the incident.

Police said they forced their way into the terraced property after Ms Galhanas, who had been home alone, answered a knock on the front door.

Today detectives appealed for witnesses amid fears the men could be planning a repeat attack.

Det Sgt Chris Buse, of Bitterne CID, said: "It is vital that we get information about these men before they strike again.

"The victim was extremely shaken and shocked. These men left her traumatised."

Both robbers were black men, aged between 18 and 20 and 5ft 7in.

The first had short dreadlocks and wore a red T-shirt. He also had a small white bag hanging across his chest. His accomplice had lighter skin and wore a military green knitted hat.

Any information should be given to Bitterne CID on 0845 045 4545, or the anonymous Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111.