TWO burglars ransacked a man’s home then spent several weeks living there causing thousands of pounds of damage.

The break-in was discovered just before lunchtime on Sunday when the owner of the apartment in the Nautica development in Ousegate, Selby, returned after a few weeks away.

Sgt John Suchomski, of Selby Police, said the homeowner, who has not been named, arrived at the property at about 11.15am to find his front door unlocked.

When he went in to find out what had happened two men ran out.

From the state of the flat, police believe the pair and possibly other people, had been living in the property for some weeks.

Sgt Suchomski said: “It was in a very poor condition with damage to the fixtures and fittings. It suggests that potentially several people have been staying there for a considerable amount of time.”

Sgt Suchomski said it was likely that thousands of pounds of damage had been caused plus various items had been stolen including bedding and other personal items.

The first burglar is described as white with short, blond hair and aged in his late 20s. He had a thin build, thin face and was approximately 6ft 1in tall. The second burglar was said to be 5ft 8ins tall with a stocky build, roundish face and short brown hair. He was in his mid-20s.

Anyone with information is asked to phone 0845 6060247.