BURGLARS ransacked a home stealing valuable coins and cash while the owner slept inside.

Detectives are appealing for information following the burglary in Craven Drive, Colchester between 9pm on Wednesday and 1am yesterday.

They got in through the back door before taking the cash and Sovereign coin collection.

Any witnesses or anyone who is approached to buy full and half sovereign coins call detectives at Colchester police on on 101.

See the full story in Monday's Gazette.