Police have told people not to tackle burglars after a man was assaulted by would-be thieves.

The warning follows an incident at a home in Newbridge Road, Tiptree, at around 3am yesterday.

The victim was confronted by two men who had been trying to open a rear gate after being awoken by the sound of his front door handle being turned.

He shouted at them and tried to block their escape but he was punched twice in the face, an Essex Police spokesman said.

He was left with a badly swollen eye but declined any medical help.

The two suspects are described as white, in their 20s and were both wearing black clothing with hooded tops pulled up around their faces.

Detectives now want to hear from anyone who was driving past or might have looked out after hearing shouting in the vicinity of Newbridge Road and Silverthorne Close.

Investigating officer DC Claire Jennings said: “Members of the public should never be tempted to go out to confront burglars because they know they face going to prison if caught and they will be desperate to get away.

“We would always urge residents to phone 999 as soon as they see or hear anything suspicious so that police can be sent as quickly as possible and stand a better chance of catching offenders.

“If you see a crime in progress phone in straightaway and give a running commentary to the police call handler. Try to remember the number of any car being used by the thieves and also give as much descriptive information as you can during the call.”

To help police’s investigation in to the incident, call 101.