Police are appealing for witnesses after a burglary at the Springs Hotel in North Stoke, near Wallingford.

At about 8.10pm yesterday, one of the residents found a man trying to get into his hotel room through patio doors that lead to a balcony.

The man then tried to grab the burglar but he jumped off the balcony to the ground and ran off.

The man was about 5ft 9in tall and medium to small build. He was wearing dark clothes and a woollen beany hat and possibly a balaclava which was covering his face.

Det Con Georgina Bradley said: “The burglar must have climbed a 9ft fence to get on to the balcony and as he opened the sliding doors he must have seen the resident.

“I think he may have escaped by leaving in a car that could have been parked at the rear of the hotel. I appeal to anyone who might have seen anything suspicious to contact me.”

Anyone who has any information is asked to contact Det Sgt Alun Watkins on 0845 8 505 505 or Crimestoppers if they wish to remain anonymous on 0800 555 111.