Two burglars were tackled by a workman and a retired police officer as they attempted to break into houses.

Nabil Abozid and Nigel Williams were caught after attempting to burgle homes in Tunbridge Wells on October 21.

Police believe the pair travelled from London by train with the intention of committing the crimes, but were disturbed each time they tried.

They first gained entry to a house in Church Road but were disturbed by the occupants in the hallway.

The intruders pretended they had been looking for bed and breakfast lodgings, asked the victims not to call the police, and then left.

A short while later, the pair managed to open the front door of a property in Meadow Hill but were unable to get into one of the internal flats.

They then rang the doorbell at a house occupied by a retired police officer who, suspecting their motives, followed them as they made their way to Mount Pleasant Avenue.

Once there, the pair entered another house but were disturbed by a woman who chased them outside.

The victim called to some workmen to stop the burglars and one of them tripped Abozid, who fell to the floor.

He was briefly restrained by one of the workmen and the retired police officer but broke free. He was quickly caught by officers who arrived at the scene.

Abozid, of Blackfriars Road, Lambeth was taken into custody and later charged with three burglaries.

His accomplice made his way back to London while persistently ringing Abozid’s mobile phone, which by then had been seized by the police.

Williams was promptly identified as the second offender and arrested at his home in Druid Street, Bermondsey the following day.

He was also charged with three burglaries.

Both men pleaded guilty at Maidstone Crown Court on Wednesday (September 13).

Abozid, 47, was sentenced to three years and three months’ imprisonment and Williams, 50, was jailed for three years and 10 months.

Det Con Kim Bashford, of West Kent CID, said: “These criminals expected to plunder properties in Kent and return to London without being detected. They failed in their plan and were confronted by courageous residents who found them intruding into their homes.

“I would like to thank those whose public-spirited intervention delayed one of the fleeing suspects, while a quick response from local patrols ensured he was detained nearby.

“Our message to offenders who consider travelling into our county is clear. You will be identified, tracked down and will answer for your crimes before the courts.”