Three hooded men smashed a window at a home and sprayed an unknown substance in the property in what police believe was an attempted burglary.

The house in Buxton Road, Waltham Abbey, was targeted at around 11.30pm on Saturday (March 11) when the raiders initially attempted to force open the front door.

The then left the scene after breaking the window and spraying the substance.

A man in his 50s, who was in the property at the time, was unhurt.

A dark BMW was later seen leaving the area.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Pc Rob Guiney at Loughton CID on 101, or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.