THE victim of a burglary - whose house in Grappenhall was ransacked by a gang of thieves - has offered a £5,000 reward to anyone who can help locate the stolen property.

Sean Devlin, who has lived at the house on Church Lane for 18 years, is offering the cash for any information that will lead to the safe return of all items.

During the raid thousands of pounds worth of sentimental jewellery including a collection of Rolex watches were stolen between 1pm and 3pm on March 21.

A safe and a white Peugeot 208, which had been parked on the drive, were also taken but the car was later found abandoned near to the junction of Church Lane and Stockton Lane.

It is believed the gang used a claw hammer to break one of the windows of the property to get inside.

Sean, 48, said: "We were away. It was Julie's mum and dad who made the discovery.

"My first reaction was that I was glad no-one was hurt.

"We've never had any problems like this before."

Police investigations are continuing into the raid but so far no arrests have been made.

DC Neil Radley said: “The offenders ransacked the house and stole a large quantity of sentimental jewellery and watches, which has caused the victims great distress.

“I’d urge anyone with information or who has been offered items in unusual circumstances to contact police.

“We are making a number of lines of enquiry, but we need your help."

Anyone with information can call DC Neil Radley on 101 quoting incident number 575 of March 21 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.