DETECTIVES are investigating a pair of rural burglaries which happened within moments of one another.

Suspects smashed a window at a home in Shatters Road, Layer Breton, and stole jewellery and documents before they were disturbed and fled the scene.

A jewellery box, car keys, a mobile phone and a three figure sum of cash was also taken from a home in Maldon Road, Layer Marney.

Both incidents happened between 3.20pm and 3.40pm on Monday, June 12.

Anyone with information about either incident is asked to call Det Con Tim Harris at Colchester CID on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.