POLICE are searching for two potential witnesses after a man was struck in the head with a metal bar when he confronted a burglar. 

The 68-year-old victim had confronted a man who entered his house in the Hillcrest Road area of Horndon-on-the-Hill at about 10.15pm on Saturday May 21.

The suspect struck him over the head with the metal bar and left the scene empty handed.

The victim was taken to hospital with head injuries and has since been discharged following surgery.

Officers have been carrying out extensive enquiries to locate the suspect.

He is described as white, aged in his 30s and had dark brown hair in a short crew cut style that comes onto a point on his forehead. He was around 5ft 9in or 10in tall, of medium build and wore a black jacket and black trousers.

Investigating officer Detective Constable Owen Clements, of Grays CID, said: "As part of my enquiries, I am looking to trace two people who were seen in the area at the time of the incident. They may have seen or heard something that could be vital to our investigation.

"One is a man who was walking into Stephens Crescent just after 10pm.

"The second is the driver of a small dark coloured Ford Fiesta, which stopped in Victoria Road, near to the junction with Hillcrest Road, before turning into Stephens Crescent at about 10.20pm.

"I would ask them, or anyone else who has information but has yet to come forward, to please get in touch.”

Contact Dc Clements on 101 or alternatively contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or www.crimestoppers-uk.org