DETECTIVES are appealing for witnesses after burglars targeted three homes in Alresford in 24 hours.

The first incident saw burglars smash their way into a home in Coppice Road before fleeing with cash.

They got into the house by smashing a glass panel in a back door between 4.40pm and 7.15pm on January 21.

The second raid also saw burglars smash a glass panel in a back door to break into a home in Wivenhoe Road.

The burglary took place between 5.45pm and 7pm on January 22.

Jewellery, bags, purses, cash and kitchen items, including a Morphy Richards kettle and toaster, were stolen.

The third break-in saw burglars try to force open a back door of another home, also in Coppice Road, between 3.30pm and 6.30pm on January 22, but they were unable to get inside.

PC Luke Howard, of Clacton police, said: “Given the location and the nature of the burglaries, we believe they are all linked.”

Anyone with information should call PC Howard on 101.