POLICE launch an appeal for witnesses after a series of burglaries in South Gloucestershire.

Avon and Somerset Police said that they are investigating after burglars forced entry into three residential properties.

Once inside the properties, burglars made messy searches for cash.

The burglaries occurred on Tuesday, January 17 during the afternoon and evening and are believed to be linked.

The first took place shortly after 7pm at a house on Savages Wood Road, Bradley Stoke, and a number of valuable items were stolen.

Another incident took place at 7.20pm when three men forced their way into a house on Clyde Grove, Filton. They homeowner was threatened with violence before stealing their valuables.

Then, at 7.30pm, another burglary took place at a home on Bourton Close, Patchway. Offenders forced entry via a first floor window before stealing money and alcohol, and it is thought they left the area in a dark coloured saloon-type car.

The men have been described as white, wearing dark clothing and with hats and scarves covering their faces. CCTV images of those in connection with the incidents have been released.

We’re also linking these offences to an attempted burglary at a property on Filton Avenue at 5.45pm the same day.

Detective sergeant John Underhill said: “I appreciate these incidents will appear alarming, but I want to reassure the local community that a robust investigation is well underway.

“We’ve conducted thorough house-to-house enquiries and you will see an increased police presence in the local area."

“We are currently exploring several lines of enquiry, but I would appeal to anyone with information to come forward now.

“Any information, no matter how insignificant you might think it is, could prove crucial to this investigation.”

The police urge anyone with information to contact them on by calling 101, quoting crime reference number 5217012011. Alternatively, information can be left anonymously with Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.