A BRAVE homeowner forced a burglar to flee empty-handed after she found him in the bedroom of her Southampton home.

After ordering him to leave the woman then saw he was holding some of her property and tried to grab it from him.

After a brief tussle the plucky 51-year-old managed to chase him off empty-handed.

The woman told police how she was working in her front garden when she heard a noise coming from inside her home in Spring Road, Southampton.

When she went inside, the woman found the intruder in her bedroom. She immediately told him to leave before grabbing hold of the property the man was trying to steal from her.

According to police the woman was involved in a brief struggle in her attempt to get her property back, prompting the man to leave her home empty-handed.

Officers have now launched an investigation into the attempted burglary that happened between 4pm and 4.15pm on Thursday.

Hampshire police has now released an e-fit of a man they want to question in connection with the incident.

The suspect was described as white, aged in his 20s, about 5ft 10ins, of medium build, clean shaven with short thick dark hair and a small fringe. He was wearing a bright orange T-shirt and dark trousers.

Police Staff Investigator Alessandra Altorio, said: “I am appealing for anyone with any information about this incident, or anyone who recognises the man in the efit, to get in touch with us as soon as possible.”

Anyone with any information is asked to contact the Priority Crime Team at Southampton police station by calling 101 or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, where information can be left anonymously.