Police are hunting two men after £3,000 worth of Asian jewellery was stolen during a burglary in a St Albans home.

The victim returned to his Watford Road home shortly after 8pm on Monday, September 15, and heard footsteps from the staircase.

Two men then ran past him and left via the back of the house.

The victim gave chase but the two men got into a black Volkswagen EOS, which was parked on a grass area outside the house, and drove off along Watford Road in the direction of the City Centre.

The first suspect is described as a black man, aged 30 to 40 years old, around 5ft 10ins to 5ft 11ins tall, well built, with very short black hair. He was wearing a dark T-shirt and black jeans.

The second is described as a white man, aged 30 to 40 years old, of slim build, around 6ft tall, with short dark hair. He was wearing a white T-shirt and blue jeans.

Detective Constable Paul Cullinan said: "These items hold a lot of sentimental value for the victim and I would like to hear from anyone who has been offered Asian jewellery for sale in suspicious circumstances or anyone who knows of the possible whereabouts of the items taken urgently. If you have any information please call me.

"This is a very busy road and I would also like to speak to anyone who was in the area at the time and saw what happened. I would particularly appeal to anyone who was drinking outside the Three Hammers pub to contact me."

Anyone with information is asked to contact DC Cullinan via the Hertfordshire Constabulary non-emergency number 101 quoting crime reference F3/14/1286.

Alternatively call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.