Callous burglars emptied two little girls’ jewellery boxes while they were away watching Disney on Ice as part of New Year family treat.

The heartless thieves emptied the young sisters’ ballerina jewellery boxes as they raided the family’s home in The Pippins, Halstead.

The family-of-four had decided to stay over in London after watching the show at the O2 Arena.

They arrived home to discover their back patio door had been smashed and a number of irreplacable family heirlooms and gifts had been taken.

The 36-year-old dad, who wishes to remain anonymous as they have managed to keep the burglary from the little girls, said: “What is particularly distressing is that they targeted the children’s bedrooms.

“The violation is immense, they were going into children’s rooms and they were very clearly girls’ rooms.

The burglars escaped with a number of silver bangles, crosses, St Christopher pendants and napkin rings which were Christening presents from the girls’ room as well as costume jewellery such as items from Claire’s Accessories.

They also took 12 set of cufflinks, which had been passed down from a late great uncle and uncle, and a locket passed down from a grandmother, a Christening necklace that had been given to his wife and a Playstation 4.

The victim added that the police have been very good in handling the case and that two PCSOs were there within minutes of the break-in being reported on January 3 to provide reassurance.

Anyone with information about the burglary, which happened between 11.20am on January 2 and 8.30pm on January 3 is asked to call Braintree Police Station on 101.