A GUN was among the items stolen when ten homes were targeted in one night.

Police are appealing for information following the spate of burglaries on the St Michael's Estate, Colchester.

They took place in and around Leas Road and Meadow Road.

The homes were raided overnight between Saturday and Sunday, at about midnight.

Two handbags and some perfume were stolen from one address while some tools and an air rifle were stolen from the garage of another.

Insp Rob Temme said: "This is a distressing spate of offences that has targeted a close knit section of the community.

"It comes about a year after this estate was previously targeted by burglars.

"Colchester CID is leading the investigation and is being supported by my neighbourhood policing team and 156 Provost Company of the Royal Military Police.

"I would like to remind people that if they hear or see behaviour that is out of the ordinary or suspicious to call Essex Police at the time so we can take the appropriate steps to minimise crime.”

Anyone with information call Det Sgt Dan Jeffries at Colchester CID on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.