A Colchester family’s pet dog may have stopped burglars taking anything during a break-in at their home while they were out.

Police were called to the property in Lordswood Road at 8.45pm last Thursday after the owners returned to find the back door had been forced open.

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 being disturbed by the family’s Alsatian dog which was heard barking loudly about half an hour before they returned home.

“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.