A devastated family returned from holiday to find their home ransacked and their family cat missing.

Sentimental jewellery and family memorabilia were stolen, but Paula Finch, of Head Street, Halstead, and her three children were hit hardest when they discovered one-year-old Tango was missing.

Thieves broke into the home searching the whole home, before stealing all of Paula’s jewellery and a trunk full of family photos and memorabilia.

She said: “It is devastating really. Nothing they have stolen has much of a financial worth, but it all means a lot to the family.

“They have taken all my jewellery, including my wedding and engagement ring, my wedding tiara and a gold charm I got for my first mothers’ day, as well as a big wooden trunk full of family photos and baby photos, the kind of things we would have wanted to keep in the family.”

The family made the decision to keep Tango as a house cat after their previous pet was struck by a car outside the home, and Paula admitted her youngest is heartbroken.

She said: “Tango belongs to my 12-year-old, Darcey, and she really is devastated.

“It really is quite frightening for them, and Tango going missing makes it all the worse.”

The family had a house sitter visiting daily, and Paula admitted the dreaded phone call ruined the holiday to Cape Verde.

She said: “I couldn’t believe it when she rang. It really is gutting, it put a huge downer on the holiday. We have worked hard all year to afford a break and then this happens. It’s so hard to come to terms with the violation that someone has been in your house, home is supposed to be your safe haven.”

A spokesman for Essex Police said: “Police are investigating a burglary which took place between 6pm on August 27 and 9.45am on August 29. Charm bracelets and five rings were taken.

“The rings include a gold wedding band, a ruby and diamond engagement ring, a sapphire and diamond ring, and an emerald and diamond ring. Anyone with any information call Essex Police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.