A woman has been left heartbroken by a break-in which ended in her cat being killed and her grandchildren's Christmas presents stolen.

Sending a message to those responsible, she said: "I hope you are happy with what you have done."

The woman, who does not want to be named, owns one of two neighbouring houses on Wycke Hill, Maldon, which were hit by burglars on the same day.

A spokesman for Maldon police said it is thought the culprits went to the neighbouring house first, kicking open the back door and stealing jewellery and other items.

But it seems when they tried their luck next door, the commotion they made by breaking in frightened the woman's cat so much it bolted, running into the road into the path of a car.

A spokesman for Maldon police confirmed officers are linking the two burglaries, which happened on Thursday afternoon. Anyone with information should contact Maldon police on 01621 852255.

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Published Monday, November 28, 2005

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