COPPER thieves have forced families out of their homes in Colchester.

Police are appealing for information after twenty feet of copper piping were stolen from flats in Military Road, Colchester.

On Monday, between 10am and 8pm, burglars broke into bathrooms on three floors taking copper piping from all of them.

Those living in the flats have had to move out.

Anyone with information call PC Mark Peacock on 101.