A MAN tried to force a front door of a flat in Witham but was then disturbed by the occupier who was inside at the time.
Police are asking residents to be on the lookout as a result of the incident, which happened on May 7 at approximately 9am at Carraways, Witham.
A woman heard a noise at her front door, which is a second floor flat in a residential block.
She opened the door to find the suspect on his knees trying to open her door forcefully with a key.
The man asked the occupant is she lived there, she replied "yes" and the man said he was a neighbour then ran off at speed.
No damage was done to the door.
He is described by the victim as aged between 20-40, of middle eastern heritage, with short, black hair and his facial hair was cut into a line across the jawline, wearing a black coat with black trousers and carrying a black rucksack.
Anyone with information about this man, or anyone who sees people acting suspiciously in the area is urged to contact police.
Investigating officer is DC Rebecca Kidby, CID, Braintree on 101.
