Burglars stole a bag of Christmas presents during a teatime house break-in.

Luckily the three men were disturbed by the home owner as they tried to make off with the gifts from the house in Offington Gardens, Worthing.

The burglars dropped the bag before two of the suspects ran south towards Poulters Lane and one into Offington Drive at about 5pm on Monday.

All three men were wearing hooded tops but Sussex Police said no other descriptions are available.

Officers are now appealing for anyone who saw people acting suspiciously or running from the area to contact them.

Detective Constable Sarah-Jane Neal urged home-owners to ensure doors and windows are locked at all time.

She said: "Christmas can be a bumper time for burglars, so make life as difficult for them as possible. Keys, money and phones are a burglar's dream. Keep all such items well out of sight and reach of doors, windows and letterboxes. Thieves like window shopping as well, so if your Christmas tree is in your window, keep presents away from prying eyes.”

Anyone with information is asked to call Sussex Police on 0845 6070999 quoting serial 1036 of 20/12.