A family's Christmas was ruined after a gang of thieves broke into their home.

Crooks smashed their way through the back door of the property in Corinthia Mews, in Burnham, and started searching the house.

A member of the family said they were all out at work when the incident took place.

The thieves got away with a large collection of jewellery and the family’s Christmas presents.

The homeowner’s son, who asked not to be named, said: “The house was all left locked like usual.

“They smashed our back door and came in.

“Pillow cases were taken, pictures re-arranged, flowers turned upside down and they were placed in a tea pot.

“My sister’s room seemed to be targeted the most.

“They took watches, Christmas presents, jewellery, handbags and everything small they could get their hands on.”

No large equipment was taken in the raid, so the victims believe the intruders escaped from the property on foot.

Another resident reported a similar incident happening at their home in the days before Christmas.

Thieves again smashed through the back door of the property in Burnham, stealing a collection of jewellery and Christmas presents from under the tree.

The daughter of the victim said the thieves had even taken mince pies from the home.

Chris Jameson, of Church Road, Burnham, saw the Corinthia Mews damage as he went past the property.

He said: “It is horrible could do something like this so close to Christmas.

“At this time of year I am sure there are some people who may be desperate or in need but that does not mean you can destroy another family’s Christmas.

“Hopefully something can be done to find the people who did this.”

Essex Police said investigations are ongoing into the burglary which happened during the day last Wednesday.

A spokesman said: “We are investigating a burglary at a home in Corinthia Mews, Burnham, in which items including jewellery and an Apple iPhone 6s were stolen sometime between 8.30am and 6pm on December 19.”

Anyone with information are asked to call Chelmsford CID on 101 quoting reference 42/185929/18.

Separately, police are appealing after 28 burglaries took place between November 22 and December 18 in Braintree, Halstead and Witham.