A SHOCKED woman discovered a burglar in her home.

She had returned to her house in Halstead Road, Lexden Heath, Colchester to find a man upstairs.

She was able to push him out the door after he came downstairs.

The woman had only left the house for a short time when she discovered the intruder at on Thursday at 3pm.

Nothing appears to have been taken in the attempted burglary.

The man gained entry through an unlocked door.

Det Con Hannah Richardson said: "I’m appealing for any witnesses who either saw the man enter or saw anyone matching the description the area around the time of the offence.

"I would also like to remind everyone to lock their windows and doors, even if you are leaving the premises for only a short time."

He is described as white, 45 to 50, medium build and about 5ft 9ins.

He was wearing dark trousers and a plain short-sleeved dark brown t-shirt.

He had grey/brown wavy, messy hair, which was below his ears in length and brown eyes.

Anyone with information can call Det Con Richardson at Colchester on 101.