Police are appealing for information about a burglary which took place in St Johns Road, Colchester, on Tuesday, October 22 between 1:45pm and 5.30pm.

Thieves are believed to have forced entry to a house by smashing a window in the back door before making an untidy search of all the rooms and stealing a variety of items.

Officers believe that more than one suspect was involved in the break-in and that a vehicle was also likely to have been used. Among the items taken were a 19th Century 22-carat gold American pocket watch and a stainless steel watch with with a square face.

Jewellery including rings and a necklace were also taken along with a quantity of shotgun cartridges and a metal safe.

Police have issued a picture of the jewellery items and if anyone is offered these pieces for sale they are asked to call detectives. Any other witnesses to the break in or who saw any suspicious activity in the area can call Colchester CID on 101 or ring Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.