A burglar who targeted a home in Knockholt but left blood at the scene of the crime has been jailed.

On 26 June 2020, Anthony Murray went to a house in Old London Road where he used a garden fork and a pick axe to smash a rear window.

Having piled broken glass next to the window, the burglar alarm started to sound and Murray was seen running away from the premises.

A forensic examination recovered traces of blood on a stone next to a side gate that proved to contain Murray’s DNA.

He was arrested on 29 July and detectives gained further evidence to show that Murray had been in the Knockholt area at the time of the break-in.

Murray, of Lansdowne Road, Croydon, London was later charged with burglary.

The 37-year-old pleaded guilty at Maidstone Crown Court and on Friday 30 October he was jailed for two years and seven months.

Investigating officer, Detective Chris Ellingham said: ‘Murray made a brazen attempt to burgle a house in broad daylight but was caught out when an alarm sounded.

‘He left empty-handed and, having left blood at the scene, we were able to promptly track him down.

‘Murray is a prolific offender and it is only right he is now starting a prison sentence.’