A MAN who was tracked down by police after he was linked to a crime scene through forensic evidence has been jailed.

Michael Clark, from Liverpool, was sentenced to 32 months in prison at Chester Crown Court on Monday after he was convicted of attempted burglary.

The 39-year-old was arrested after police were called to a property on Stratton Close in Runcorn at 1.15pm on May 26.

As officers arrived, Clark fled – but not before causing significant damage to the door after attempting to break in.

Clark was arrested on June 18 after forensic evidence linked him to the the scene.

He was subsequently charged with attempted burglary with intent to steal. 

DS Rob McLoughlin said: “Burglary is a very emotive and intrusive crime which can have a long standing and emotional impact on victims. 

“Clark has no direct links to Runcorn and we believe that he travelled to the area with the sole intention of committing crime. 

"We will not tolerate such behaviour in the community and will continue to take positive action against offenders.”