A MAN is believed to have tried to break into two houses in Brinkworth within 15 minutes of each other last Wednesday afternoon.

The first break-in attempt happened at 3.45pm. A man described as slim, 5ft 9ins tall and in his early 20s, wearing a shell suit top and another man, with long hair and wearing a white shell suit top, were foiled as they tried to get into a house in the village.

They were seen near a window and confronted by the owner who had returned home unexpectedly.

"The men said something about wanting manure from a farm but couldn't be specific which farm, and then drove off," said Acting Sergeant Dave Eddy, of Malmesbury Police.

He said the men were driving a silver or white Vauxhall Estate car.

At 4pm a woman in the village saw a man answering the description of the slim man in the first attempted break-in, trying to break in through a kitchen window.

The woman had been unwell and had not answered the door when the man had knocked twice.

The man damaged the wooden frame of the window before running off.

Anyone with information about either of the men or who saw anyone acting suspiciously should call Malmesbury Police on (01666) 822222.