A HOMEOWNER managed to scare off a burglar who was in his home, by shining a torch his face.

Detective Inspector Neil Hunter today appealed for information about the intruder after what he described as a "disturbing incident".

The man forced open a kitchen window at the home in St John's Street, Darwen, at around 5.30am on Tuesday, waking the homeowner.

Once the burglar was upstairs, the owner shined the torch at him and scared him off.

The offender is described as white, 5ft 8in, of slim to medium build, aged between 20 and 30 with short, dark brown hair.

He was wearing a turquoise fleece jacket and dark trousers.

Anyone with information should call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, or Darwen CID on 01254 353842.