Detectives believe burglars who broke into Bruce Forsyth's home did not know it was owned by the television star.

Surrey Police said on Sunday it was an opportunistic break-in, not a "targeted" raid on the multi-millionaire entertainer who was away watching The Open Golf championship at Muirfield.

Mr Forsyth's housekeeper was undergoing surgery at St Peter's Hospital, Chertsey, on Sunday, after she was badly beaten about the face during the break-in at the mansion in Virginia Water, Surrey.

Mr Forsyth is comforting his wife Wilnelia, a former Miss World, and 15-year-old son JJ (Jonathan Joseph).

These vicious criminals violated a family home and attacked a defenceless woman in order to steal

Detective Chief Inspector Simon Humphreys

They were both at their �4m home, when a gang of three men broke in on Friday night.

Surrey Police said Mrs Forsyth's wedding ring, her engagement ring were among jewellery stolen.

Mr Forsyth went home after hearing about the attack.

'Disturbing incident'

In a statement, he said: "My wife, son and housekeeper acted with considerable courage."

Detective Chief Inspector Simon Humphreys said officers were studying CCTV footage from the Wentworth Estate in Virginia Water.

He said: "These vicious criminals violated a family home and attacked a defenceless woman in order to steal.

"These men must be caught."

Police said one robber was white and about 5ft 9in tall.

The second was black and slightly taller. The third was black and about 6ft 3in.

All three were aged about 20.