POLICE are appealing for witnesses after a man smashed through a front door in an attempted burglary.

The culprit, described as white, 5ft 6in to 6ft tall, in his early 20s and wearing dark blue jeans and a black jumper, tried breaking into a house in Essex Close, Rayleigh, between 10.30am and 11am on Tuesday morning.

It is believed the man ran off towards Warwick Road after being disturbed, leaving the property empty handed. No one was inside the home at the time.

Anyone with information should contact Pc Simon Laurie at Southend police station on 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.