A BURGLAR caught in the act by police officers broke both ankles and legs after jumping from a bedroom window to escape.

The man made his desperate bid for freedom when an officer walked into the bedroom in Elizabeth Street, Accrington, after receiving a phone call about the incident.

The culprit was rifling through a chest of drawers as the officer walked in

But after falling 20ft he landed next to another officer who had to administer first aid.

He was taken to Accrington Victoria Hospital and transferred to Blackburn Royal Infirmary where he was today said to be satisfactory.

DS Paul Broxson, of Accrington CID, said: "He literally went out head first. How he didn't land on his head I don't know.

"They said his ankles had exploded with impact, and he's broken both his legs."

Officers are now waiting to interview the man about the incident, which happened at 3.10pm yesterday.