Would-be burglars may have been scared away after realising the house they had broken into was still occupied.

Hertfordshire Constabulary were called just before 6.50pm last night to reports of a break in on Beechcroft Avenue, in Croxley Green.

Police heard how the female homeowner reported hearing noises downstairs before going to investigate.

She discovered someone had searched her property while she was still home.

Nothing had been taken and the intruders had already fled the scene.

Police enquiries are ongoing.

Anyone who saw anything suspicious in the area around the time is asked to contact Hertfordshire Constabulary via the non-emergency number 101, quoting crime reference 41/2401/19 or report information online at www.herts.police.uk/Report