Burglars smashed a rear door to flee the scene after they heard the occupant was inside the house.

A house in Garston Lane, Watford, was targeted on November 22 at 6.15pm, but the burglars were spooked before they could steal anything.

The occupant was upstairs at the time of the incident and heard noises including a male voice.

He went downstairs to investigate the situation, but as he did so there was a large smashing noise. 

He found the kitchen door smashed and left ajar.

Detective Constable Julie Vint, who is investigating, said: “Thankfully the offender(s) were disturbed before they could steal anything, but this was understandably a very unsettling experience for the victim.

“I am appealing for anyone who was in the area at the time and might have seen what happened, or witnessed suspicious behaviour, to get in touch.

“If you can help, please call the non-emergency number 101 or email me at Julie.Vint@herts.pnn.police.uk quoting crime reference 41/105521/19.”

You can also report information online at herts.police.uk/report or via the web chat at herts.police.uk/contact.