DETECTIVES are appealing for information about two burglaries on the same road in Colchester which officers believe may be linked.

Both break-ins took place in Mountbatten Drive between 7.50pm and 10pm on Tuesday, October 30.

That evening, an elderly resident contacted police when two men entered her property without warning.

Two other men, who were wearing black clothing over their faces and had their hoods up, stood outside keeping watch.

After calling the police, the pensioner managed to escape her home, but returned to find her belongings had been ransacked.

Cash, jewellery and four tubs of Quality Street chocolates were stolen.

A spokesman for Essex Police said the victim was "shaken but unharmed."

A second burglary also took place in Mountbatten Road on the same evening.

Jewellery and some Nike trainers were taken from inside the property, which was empty at the time.

The crooks had forced entry to the home via the back door.

If you think you can help with the investigation, please contact Police Constable Lucy Percival on 101.

You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.