A BURGLAR raided a house in Colchester while the occupants slept upstairs.

Police are appealing for witnesses following an aggravated burglary in Acacia Avenue, Greenstead, on Monday, August 14.

Officers were called shortly after 5am to a report a man had forced entry to a property while the occupants were asleep.

A mobile phone was stolen and the occupants were left shaken, but uninjured.

Police say the break-in follows a similar burglary in the same area within the past two weeks.

Investigating officer Detective Inspector Kelly Thurston said: “This is a horrific incident, which has left a woman shaken and distressed.

"No one should feel unsafe in their own home and we will do all we can to prevent this from happening again.

“Residents are reminded to keep their property safe and secure, even during the summer.

"Please make sure you lock doors, remove your keys from the door locks and place them in a key cupboard and close windows, especially if you reside in a ground floor or first floor property.

“If you saw anyone acting suspiciously or have any information we encourage you to contact us on 101 so we can bring the person responsible to justice.”

Witnesses or anyone with information is asked to contact Colchester CID on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.