A woman disturbed a man trying to force open the front door of her flat.

Police are asking residents to be on the lookout after a woman heard a noise at the front door of her second-floor flat in Carraways, Witham at 9am on Wednesday.

She opened the door to find the man on his knees trying to open her door forcefully with a key.

She challenged him and he replied “Do you live here?”, before running off.

No damage was caused.

The man is described as aged between 20 and 40, of middle eastern heritage, with short black hair.

His facial hair was cut into a line across his jawline.

He was wearing a black coat, black trousers and was carring a black rucksack.

Anyone with information about this man, or anyone who sees people acting suspiciously in the area is urged to contact investigating officer DC Rebecca Kidby at Braintree Police Station on 101.