A gold watch, gold wedding band and an iPad have been stolen during a burglary in Clacton.

Thieves jemmied open the French doors of a house in Harwich Road, Beaumont, before making a messy search of the house between 3.30pm and 4.30pm yesterday.

The thieves also caused about £500 damage to the French doors.

The gold watch had the name ‘Josephine Spooner’ inscribed on the back.

Investigating officer, Pc Wendy Crowson, said: “At about the same time as the burglary a woman had knocked on a neighbour’s door asking for water for her car which was overheating.

“A yellow van was then seen driving off not long after the female had knocked on the door.”

The woman is described as in her early 20s, of slim build, and about 5ft 8ins tall. She had freckles and distinctive gappy, bucked teeth and light brown hair, tied up in a ponytail. She was wearing tight black leggings and a black cropped top.

Anyone with information is asked to contact PC Crowson or her colleagues at Clacton police station on 101.