Would-be burglars ran away from a property near Swindon after the homeowner caught them breaking in.

Three men smashed the rear patio door of a house on Artis Avenue in Wroughton at around 9.40pm on Friday.

One of the suspicious strangers reached in through the broken glass to unlock and start to open the door when their victim noticed the intrusion, Wiltshire Police has said.

The resident came downstairs and saw the trio, who then ran off in the direction of Berkeley Road without taking anything from inside.

Police say that the first suspect was wearing black trousers, a navy-blue jacket, black cap and black balaclava.

The second suspect was wearing black trousers, black shoes, grey top, red gloves, a black balaclava and a white cap.

The third suspect was wearing black trousers, black shoes, a white hoody and a grey balaclava.

A Wiltshire Police spokesperson said: “We are appealing for any witnesses or Ring doorbell/CCTV footage from the Wroughton area, specifically Artis Avenue, Berkeley Road, Swindon Road, Moormead Road, Baileys Way and Perry’s Lane.

“If you can help, contact us on 101 quoting reference 54240069720.”