Police are appealing for witnesses after a homeowner chased off a masked burglar who had broken into his house.

The attempted burglary took place at around 6.45pm yesterday (Wednesday) at a house in Church Walk, Mildenhall.

According to police, the victim heard loud banging at his back door and, upon going to investigate, discovered a man wearing a balaclava had broken into the house.

He shouted at the man, who shouted back in a foreign language before running away out of the back door empty-handed.

The offender is described as being over 6ft and of large build. He was wearing a black balaclava, a black woollen coat and black trousers. He spoke in a language believed to be eastern European.

Following the incident, two men described as wearing black knitted woollen beanies pulled down over their faces, were seen driving in a silver estate car from Wamil Way onto Queensway.

Police were called and searched the area assisted by the dog unit, but were not able to locate the offenders.

Officers are appealing for anyone who may have seen either the men or a car matching the description to contact them.

Calls should be made to the Bury St Edmunds Priority Crime Team on 101 quoting reference MH/14/1857, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.