A BURGLAR broke into a house before running off after being caught by the owner.

The man entered the house in Keble Close in Colchester at around 3.30am on Friday.

He is thought to have gained access by a wooden gate in the garden and then via an insecure kitchen door.

After attempting to enter the lounge he was seen by the householder and ran off.

A bag in the kitchen had been rifled through but nothing was stolen.

The suspect is described as a white man, with short reddish brown hair, around 5ft 5in tall, of slight build and in his 40s.

He was scruffy looking and wearing a black fleece with a zip from waist to neck and black thermal gloves.

Anyone who saw any suspicious behaviour in the road or who recognises the description of the man is asked to call PC Andrea Ford at Colchester Police Station on 101 or ring Crimestoppers on 0800555111.