POLICE are hunting for an intruder who fled after a woman found him in her house.

The burglar escaped after being disturbed by the woman, who came home and discovered a window had been forced and a man was inside.

It is believed the woman did not go into her house in Fernhill Heath, near Worcester, but called police after spotting the man through the front window.

The man fled via back gardens, prompting police to search surrounding roads.

More than 20 officers including a dog handler were involved in the search near Droitwich Road, at the junction of Dilmore Lane, on Wednesday afternoon.

The police helicopter was also scrambled, but the man was not found.

Nobody was injured or threatened during the burglary and nothing appears to have been stolen.

Officers have launched an investigation and appealed for help from the public.

The burglar was white, about 6ft and in his 20s. He was wearing a dark jacket and a green beanie hat with a white stripe. He was also carrying a green rucksack.

A police spokesman said: “We were called at 3.40pm on Wednesday with a report that a man was in a property along that road.

“We attended in numbers because the burglary was in progress and searched the area.

"We’d like to reassure people that no violence was used. When disturbed the burglar immediately fled over gardens.”

The homeowner has declined to comment.

Anyone with information is asked to call West Mercia police on 0300 333 3000, quoting reference number 431s21111.

Information can also be given anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.