A HOUSEHOLDER was attacked with what is thought to be an iron bar when he found two burglars raiding his home in Swindon.

The family had returned to their house in Beatrice Street shortly before 8.30pm on Saturday to find the men upstairs.

The owner, a 44-year-old man, was hit on the head and the men, described as white and in their mid to late 20s, fled from the building.

Their victim needed hospital treatment.

Police said it appeared they were disturbed in the middle of the burglary because a pillowcase with a number of items of jewellery, watches and cash were found left behind in the house.

The incident is being linked with a second burglary that happened in Melksham later the same evening when an elderly couple were threatened by burglars inside their home in Bowerhill.

At 9.50pm the couple, who are both in their 80s, were woken by two men, also in their 20s.

One of the men grabbed a gold crucifix from the woman’s neck.

The pair searched the house, stealing a large amount of jewellery, including gold stud earrings, gold bangles, silver watches and a gold ring with sapphires and diamonds.

A gold retirement presentation fob watch engraved with “21 years service as an Air Traffic Controller/Instructor” was also taken.

Both men were described as white, one was aged around 25 years and the other slightly younger.

Police believe the crooks left the area in a blue Audi A3 with false registration plates 'KR57 YZR'.

Det Cons Rich Jones said police were working on the theory that the two incidents could be linked.

He said: "These crimes both involved people breaking into homes and threatening the occupants, in one case a vulnerable, elderly couple.

"These types of incidents are rare so we believe there is a possibility they could be linked.

"We have been offering support to the victims and their families and carrying out a number of enquiries, including going door-to-door to speak to neighbours and potential witnesses.

"I would urge anyone who may have seen anything suspicious to come forward and speak to us."

Anyone with information is asked to contact Wiltshire Police on 101.

Information can be left anonymously by speaking to Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.