A family have been left distraught after raiders got away with a haul of antiques worth thousands of pounds.

The raiders struck some time between March 8 and Saturday, taking many items including valuable family heirlooms with a total value of £7,600.

The items belonged to Stephen and Marcia Shafe, who have a home in Frinton's Second Avenue.

Mr Shafe, 47, who lives on a farm in Chigwell, said: "We are pretty upset. They took our family heirlooms which have been past down through the family for generations."

The theft was discovered by Mr Shafe's father, who lives in Frinton, when he was checking on the property.

Mr Shafe said one of the items taken was a Louis XV mantle clock, worth about £4,000.

Det Con Ian Slingsby, of Clacton police, said: "It is obviously extremely distressing for the people who have lost items which are irreplacable.

"They have got sentimental value to the family and we would urge anyone with information to contact us as the owner would particularly like to get them back."

Anyone with information should contact Clacton police on 01255 221312 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111

Published Monday, March 18, 2002