Appeal following aggravated burglary in Sherfield-on-Loddon

According to officers, a man attempted to break into a house in the Sherfield Park area at around 1.40 am. He smashed a window to gain entry, but one of the residents confronted him.

In the ensuing struggle, the resident was struck multiple times with a hammer, sustaining minor injuries.

The offender then fled the scene in a dark-coloured hatchback vehicle.

Police believe he may not have acted alone. Four individuals were spotted wandering the neighbourhood, all wearing light-colored clothing, possibly light grey tracksuits. Two of these men were reportedly wearing reflective vests.

It is believed the offender/s were in the area from around 1am and police are appealing for anyone who saw them, or anyone who witnessed the incident, to get in touch.

The appeal read: "Do you live the areas of Allington Rise, Ripley Terrrace, Rockbourne Road, Gaiger Avenue or Otterbourne Walk and have CCTV or doorbell footage? Or were you driving by in those areas and have a dashcam fitted to your vehicle? If you can help, please contact us as soon as possible."

Anyone with information is asked to report online via Provide more information about a road traffic incident | Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary or call police on 101, quoting 44240419442.

For crime prevention advice, visit hampshire.police.uk/cp/crime-prevention/protect-home-crime/keep-burglars-out-property/