A woman awoke in bed after her downstairs light was switched on by an intruder.

The incident happened at a house in Butt Road, Colchester.

A man, described as a white male, about 17 or 18 years old, with light brown hair and wearing dark clothes, smashed the glass at the back door before undoing the lock and making his way in.

The woman realised someone was in her house when the burglar turned the hall light on. She screamed and the startled intruder ran off in the direction of Layer Road.

The woman ran to a nearby shop and raised the alarm.

Anyone with information about the incident, which happened at 9pm on Sunday, should contact Colchester police on 01206 762212 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111

Published Thursday December 27, 2001