THE owner of an East Huntspill pub said she was left 'badly shaken' after two masked men broke into her house and stole cash and jewellery.

Police are appealing for witnesses after the thieves escaped with cash and jewellery from Kathryn Cooke's home next to The Crown Inn in Church Road, which she also owns.

They made off in a white Audi Q7.

Kathryn claims she only became aware of what was going on after she went to get something from her house at around 9pm on Friday (November 22).

She said: "I went to the door which connects the house to the pub to go and get something and realised that the door was locked from the house side.

"I knew something was wrong and so I grabbed three chaps from the bar and we ran outside the building.

"Two men who were wearing black balaclavas who had been in the house were running towards a white SUV style car which was waiting for them outside the pub.

"One of the lads from the pub challenged them but he said one of the men had a large knife and threatened to stab him.

"The men then drove their car at me and I had to quickly move out of the way. It was a scary experience.

"They then drove off and I discovered they had stolen money and jewellery which held a lot of sentimental value to me."

Kathryn said she 'couldn't face' opening up the pub on Saturday (November 23) as she was 'too shaken up' by the incident.

She said the pub reopened on Sunday (November 24) and thanked the police for their help.

Kathryn added: "All of our takings from Thursday night (November 21) were stolen by the robbers.

"We reported the burglary to the police and they have been brilliant and are treating it very seriously.

"It is really sad as a lot of my Mum and Dad's jewellery has gone."

A spokesperson for Avon and Somerset Police said they are appealing for any witnesses to the burglary to come forward.

"Police are appealing for witnesses after a burglary at a house in Church Road, East Huntspill," the spokesperson said.

"It happened at about 9pm on Friday, November 22.

"Witnesses saw two masked men leave the house.

"They made off in a white car driven by a third man.

"The vehicle, described as an Audi Q7, was driven towards Woolavington.

"The thieves had stolen cash and jewellery.

"One was about 5ft 6ins tall and stocky, wearing a white tracksuit.

"The other was of a similar height and build wearing a black tracksuit.

"If you can help the police investigation get in touch through www.avonandsomerset.police.uk/contact or by calling 101 quoting reference 5219270830.

"Alternatively ring the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. They never ask your name or trace your call."