POLICE believe burglars may have been scared off by a family’s pet Alsatian when they broke into a Colchester home.

The family, who live in Lordswood Road, came home to find the back door had been forced open.

Parts of the house had been searched, but nothing was taken.

Investigating officer DC Mark Peacock said: “A number of rooms were searched and items thrown around the floor but fortunately nothing was taken.

“It seems that whoever broke in left quickly after be disturbed by the family's Alsatian dog which was heard barking loudly about half an hour before they returned home.”

The break-in happened at about 8.45pm on Thursday, September 25.

DC Peacock said: “We would like to hear from anyone who was in the area between 5.20pm and 8.15pm and might have seen anyone hanging around or running away from the scene.”

Anyone with information should contact DC Peacock at Colchester CID on 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.