A mother with a new born baby has disturbed a burglar who had broken into her home.

The 26-year-old victim was sleeping with her 14-week-old son when she was woken up by the sound of the intruders forcing her front door open and saw a man climbing her stairs.

The man fled from the house in Barrington Road, Worthing, and escaped.

He was white, about 5' 8" or 5' 9" and in his early twenties. He had short blonde curly hair, was wearing a dark top and was carrying a yellow-handled screwdriver. An efit of him has been produced.

The incident happened on Wednesday August 13 at about 6.30pm. Police have only today released details of the crime.

Sussex Police launched Operation Magpie to tackle burglary across the county.

Detective Constable Pippa Hannard said: "As the man left, the victim heard him talking to someone else so it appears there were at least two people trying to break into the house.

"This must have been a terrifying experience for the victim and we are determined to find those responsible before they do this again.

"Please contact us if you saw or heard anything in the area or if you recognise the man in the efit."

Anyone with information should email 101@sussex.pnn.police.uk quoting serial 1345 of 13/08, call 101 or contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.