A MAN was surprised to spot an intruder nosing around his garden.

The resident from Witham, who does not wish to be named, was at home on Friday when he spotted something outside.

It was about 9.45am on April 21 when the man was spotted in the garden in Cressing Road.

Whilst an accomplice was waiting just outside the garden, the other man entered to look around.

The homeowner said: "I saw the shorter of two guys sneaking up the garden.

"I was on my phone talking to a mate and looking out of the window day dreaming when I spotted the intruder.

"He was creeping up the garden looking around, the taller one was waiting down the back road."

It is thought the intruder was interested in a bike that was visible.

Once the homeowner had noticed the man, he called out to him.

He said: "I followed him to the bottom of the garden and watched them head off past another residents' garden.

"We have a gate missing so he ran through the hole where the gate should be.

"I managed to scare him off and he legged it.

"The taller one strutted off looking cocky.

"We have a back access road so they headed off along that."

The crooks did not manage to steal anything, but the homeowner was outraged by the incident.

He said he felt angry and violated after what happened.

A spokesman for Essex Police said: "Police were called just after 10am with reports that two men were acting suspiciously near an address in Cressing Road, Witham. 
"One suspect was described as white and around 5ft8ins, with brown hair. 
"He was wearing a khaki tracksuit.
"Another suspect was also described as white, was believed to be more than 6ft tall and was of slim build. 
"He was wearing black jeans, a white t-shirt and black overcoat. 
"Both suspects left the scene."
Anyone with information is asked to contact Essex Police on 101.