A BUNGLING burglar bit off more than he could chew when he broke into Gary Rowley's home.

He sneaked into the house while Mr Rowley was out and prepared to help himself.

But what he did not count on was the two Jack Russell terriers which were sleeping soundly upstairs.

When they heard the intruder, Sandy and Tess ran down to confront him.

There was always going to be only one winner, and by the time the dogs had finished, the hapless burglar was left battered, bruised and bleeding heavily.

He finally ran off empty-handed, but not before he left vital clues at the scene.

He spilt so much blood on the floor that police are confident of catching him because of all the DNA evidence he left behind.

Sandy and Tess came out of the encounter unscathed and the crime-fighting duo have earned praise from their owner. Mr Rowley, 40, of Darrowby Drive, Darlington, said: "Sandy and Tess were only protecting their property from a stranger.

"If I bring people into the house they are no bother at all, but they knew this person shouldn't have been there.

"He appears to have picked up an ornament to protect himself, but he never really had a chance. I still haven't got all the blood out of the carpet.

"I am very proud of them and will be buying them some T-bone steaks as a reward."

Police are now appealing for people to come forward if they saw the burglar entering or leaving the house between 5pm and 10.30pm on Wednesday.

Inspector Dennis Dixon, of Darlington Police, said: "This man expected to come away in profit but he actually lost more than he gained.

"He might as well give himself up because we will be able to identify him because of the blood left at the scene."

Darlington Police can be contacted on (01325) 467681.