A topless intruder fled empty handed when he was caught in a Kennington kitchen during an attempted burglary.

The bare-chested man was caught in the Bockhanger Lane House between 11.30pm and 11.45pm on Sunday before the residents challenged him and he ran out the front door empty handed.

The attempted burglary took place just hours after a similar incident in Park Road North where an offender was found in the kitchen of a ground floor flat.

The occupant discovered the man in his house between 4.55am and 5.05am but the intruder stole cash and climbed out of an open window.

Investigating officer Detective Constable Chris Brett said: "At the moment we are keeping an open mind as to whether the two incidents are linked and are keen to hear from anyone who saw anyone acting suspiciously in the two areas at the relevant times."

The offender in the first burglary in Park Road North is described as wearing a dark-coloured Parker-style coat with a fake fur hood trim and dark-coloured slim-leg trousers.

The offender in the second burglary Bockhanger Lane is described as a white male, aged between 35 and 40, about 5ft 8in tall and of a stocky build with short, black curly hair. He was bare-chested and was wearing dark-coloured tracksuit bottoms.

Detective Constable Brett added: "In both cases we believe that the intruders may have gained access through insecure doors or windows.

"Check doors and windows are locked – even in hot weather – and that you have working security lights.

"Use timers to turn interior lights or a radio on and off and light dark or hidden entrances.

"We also advise people to register all valuables items. Logging details helps us return the items to you if we find or seize them."

To register your valuable items visit the immobilise site.

If you have any information about the incidents please phone Kent Police on 01843 222289 or Kent Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 quoting reference ZY/22333/16 or ZY/22216/16.