BIZARRE burglars stole a pillowcase and moneyboxes after smashing into a house using a paving slab.

The raiders broke through a patio door at a house in Halstead Road, Eight Ash Green.

Once inside, they took a pink Canon Ixus 95 IS camera, a Royal British Legion crystal poppy brooch and a tanzanite and silver cross pendant.

They also stole a distinctive beige ceramic money box in the shape of a haggis full of 5p coins, a white ceramic money box in the shape of a pig full of commemorative 50p coins, and a green pillowcase with a white daisy design.

The burglary happened between 2.10pm and 2.45pm on on Wednesday, May 23.

Details have only just been released by Essex Police who want to speak to anyone who has been offered the items for sale, or found them dumped anywhere.

Anyone with information should contact PC Robert McWilliams at Colchester CID on 101 quoting reference 42/71684/18 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 online at Crimestoppers-uk.org.