A MAN has been charged after a householder disturbed an intruder in her Dorchester home.

Inspector Steve Marsh said that the incident occurred on Thursday in the Fordington area of the county town.

He said local officers were able to respond quickly and were able to detain the suspected offender before he left the property.

Insp Marsh said: "An elderly resident in the Fordington area of town disturbed a male who was inside her house committing burglary.

"We were able to respond very quickly and detained a male inside the property.

"He was found to have items of jewellery and other articles belonging to the victim hidden within his clothing."

Insp Marsh said a 35-year-old local male was arrested and has been charged for an offence of burglary.

He added that the man has been remanded in custody.