THREE shotguns were stolen during a burglary in Great Horkesley.

A house was broken into at some point between Saturday and Wednesday last week while the owners were away.

The house was ransacked and some jewellery was stolen.

During the break-in the burglars also forced their way into a gun safe, stealing two 12-bore shotguns and a 20-bore shotgun.

The two larger guns were both family heirlooms, which had been in the family for at least two generations, passed from father to son. They are quite unique with ornate decorations.

All three guns have not been used for a few months, but are in working order and Colchester police are anxious to find them.

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