A FAMILY has been left heartbroken after thieves stole their Christmas.

Marc Holden arrived home from work to find raiders had ransacked his home and stolen Christmas presents and precious jewellery belonging to his fiance, Leanne Carr.

Now he wants to warn others to be vigilant to burglars preying on homes in the area.

Mr Holden, 28, who is an asbestos site supervisor, said: "They took all the presents from under the tree which we had bought for our families.

"They were all ready to be wrapped that night.

"They also took my Playstation 4, an ipad and Leanne's jewellery.

"They included her diamond bracelet from her 21st and a birthday ring from her parents.

"We also had a few presents for my son, Archie, who is seven, but thankfully his main present wasn't there.

Gazette:

"They ransacked the whole house. It is unbelievable. I suppose desperate people do desperate things."

He added: "They have taken our Christmas away from us.

"We both work full time but we can't afford to spend another £500 on presents for the family."

Marc and Leanne, 27, are planning to get married in September.

Marc said: "We are saving for our wedding and thought about using some money from that to buy new presents but our family understand the situation."

Marc, who lives in Charles Street, Colchester, now wants to warn others about thieves operating in the New Town area.

He said: "They smashed the window in the kitchen to get in and left by the back door.

"It was open when I got in.

"I am not a small timid guy but I feel insecure in my own home.

"Leanne said she doesn't want to live in the house any more.

"I just want everyone to be aware these scumbags are operating in this area.

"I would not wish this on anyone."

The raid happened between 8.30am and 6pm on Tuesday.

Anyone with information is asked to call Colchester police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.