Burglars have ransacked and deliberately damaged a home in Hatfield Peverel, by slashing sofas and flooding the kitchen. 

A property in Station Road was broken in to overnight between April 2 and 3, and catastrophic damage was caused which is thought to have taken the burglars considerable time to carry out.

The damage is likely to cost several thousands of pounds to repair.

The kitchen was flooded, the television taken out of the living room and placed in the bath which had been filled with water, sofas and chairs were slashed and they even appeared to have stopped for something to eat while carrying out the destruction.

The victim, who does not want to be identified, said: "There has been a tremendous amount of damage done to our home. It has been quite unsettling since it happened and I have felt uneasy thinking about it since then.

"Our home has been ransacked without a second thought, it looks like they have just gone mad inside our house, intent on causing as much destruction as possible.

"A lot of my jewellery has been stolen, some of which had been passed down to me and has great sentimental value. I would ask that if anyone knows who has done this, please tell the police.”

A number of items of jewellery, including a wedding ring, were stolen as well as a computer, laptop, tablet computer, and watches.

Dc Nick Campbell said: "'I have been to many burglary crime scenes over the years, but this incident stands out as one of the worst examples of mindless destruction that I have seen during my career. They have caused catastrophic damage to this family home which will take time and money to put right.

"There are lot of enquiries ongoing with this investigation, but I would appeal to the public to contact Braintree CID if they have any information that may help us or speak to Crimestoppers in confidence.

"I am intent on catching those responsible for this burglary, before they strike again in our county. "Essex Police has driven down burglary rates in recent years and have been successful in convicting some of our most prolific burglars, but we will continue to need the support of the community to help us with our investigations.”

Police are releasing a number of photographs of the damage in the hope it will help get more information to assist with the investigation.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dc Campbell at Braintree CID on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.