A home-owner came to face-to-face with a burglar on Petworth Road in Witley on Tuesday evening.

The police are appealing for witnesses after the break-in at around 7.45pm on January 17.

Three suspects wearing balaclavas broke into the property through a rear door, smashing the glass.

Once inside, they were confronted by the home-owner, who then activated the intruder alarm, causing the suspects to turn and flee.

They left by the back garden, vaulting over the wall and into the neighbour’s garden.

They then ran off down the side and out the front of the neighbouring property onto Petworth Road.

If anyone has any information that can help officers, including CCTV or dashcam footage, they are encouraged to contact the police quoting PR/45230006259 via webchat at surrey.police.uk, online at https://www.surrey.police.uk/ro/report/ocr/af/how-to-report-a-crime/ or by calling 101.

Alternatively, call independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.