Burglars have stolen Christmas presents including a TV, laptop and iPad from a house in Witham.

A hole was smashed in the French doors at the back of a house in Rickstones Road, between 7.45am and 4.40pm on Thursday.

The burglar then reached through to unlock the door, before stealing the presents.

The stolen goods included a black iPad, a men’s green Ralph Lauren jumper, Calvin Klein underwear, Jean Paul Gaultier aftershave, and a Tres de Paris silver ring.

They also included an Asus laptop and a Hitachi HD LED television which were new and still in their boxes.

Investigating officer, Dc Shelley Tarling, said: "It is particularly distressing that the items stolen were Christmas presents and some were so new that they were still in their boxes.

"I would strongly urge people to have a re-think about their security at this time of year, because the last thing you want is to have your gifts stolen.”

Police would particularly like to speak to a man who was seen in the alleyway next to the house that morning.

He was a white man, about 5ft 10ins tall, and of slim build. He was wearing a turquoise hooded top with the hood up .

Anyone with information is urged to contact Dc Tarling, or her colleagues at Braintree CID, on 101. Alternatively, call independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.