A MAN was assaulted within his home after disturbing a burglar in the early hours of Saturday morning.

The 44-year-old man woke in his High Street, Tillicoultry, home to find another male in his bedroom at around 2.10am.

After startling the intruder, the man was assaulted by the suspect, who was wearing dark clothing and holding a white carrier bag, who then fled the home.

Officers are now carrying out door-to-door enquiries and checking relevant CCTV footage for any information on the suspect.

Detective chief inspector Mark Stirling said: “I am appealing to local residents for any information. I appreciate the incident occurred in the early hours of this morning, but someone may have been up and heard something or saw something which could assist our enquiries.

“It is imperative we trace this man and any small piece of information could prove significant in our investigation as we try to locate him. I would urge anyone with any information or knowledge to please get in touch with us.

“I would also like to remind people to ensure their homes are secure. In the warm weather, we can often leave doors and windows unlocked, but please lock up at night.”

Anyone with information is asked to call Police Scotland via 101, quoting incident number 0596 of August 15, 2020.

Alternatively, please call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where you can give information anonymously.