A WITCHFORD family have launched a desperate appeal for information after thieves stole thousands of pounds worth of jewellery in a brazen daylight raid.

Sally Johnson had only popped into Ely to collect some shopping when thieves broke into her home and made off with a priceless haul of jewellery, electrical goods and even a car that was parked in the driveway

The raid took place between 1.30pm and 2pm on Monday, with thieves using a garden hoe to smash through a back door at Briery Farm, on Sutton Road, before ransacking the house.

Two generations of Mrs Johnson’s jewellery was taken along with a Playstation console and three antique guns, worth thousands of pounds, belonging to her husband Peter, 47.

“They have lived in that house for six years, it was their dream home that they worked incredibly hard to build and it’s heartbreaking for them,” said daughter-in-law Hayley Rutterford.

“The terrible thing was they took my mother-in-law’s jewellery which belonged to her mum and her grandmother, it just cannot be replaced.

“If anyone has any information about cars or vans in the area or anything that might help we would urge them to go to the police.”

According to Ms Rutterford, who also lives in the village, the car that was stolen, a maroon Ford Focus, carried the registration number AD03 JVV.

Police forensic teams remained at the scene throughout Monday but officers are appealing for members of the public to come forward with any information.

Anyone with information should contact Det Sgt John Yore on 0345 456 4564.