A BURGLAR'S attempts to steal a box of rings were foiled by a teenage boy.

Police have launched an investigation into the incident are appealing for any witnesses to come forward.

Officers were called to reports of an attempted burglary in Thyme Mews, Witham.

It was reported a burglar had climbed onto a conservatory roof and attempted to steal a ring from a bedroom windowsill.

The thief had reached through an open window to grab the ring box.

But a teenage boy who was in the room at the time interrupted the theft and tried to take the ring box back.

The suspect attempted to grab the teenager's wrist, but stumbled and fell from the roof.

He was last seen getting on a bicycle and riding off in the direction of Bramble Road.

Both the ring and the box were left behind at the house.

The incident happened around 4pm on Thursday, September 17.

Detectives say the burglar was described as white, aged in his early 20s, with short ginger hair.

He was of slim build and wore a black top, red shorts, and a black face mask.

Anyone who saw a man matching this description in the area at the time or has any information is asked to call DC Gemma White in Braintree CID on 101 quoting reference 42/149544/20.

Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.