BURGLARS broke into a home and stole Christmas presents from under the tree.

The thieves also let out a pet rabbit from its cage and sadly this animal later became unwell and died at the vets.

It is thought that the rabbit may have died from the shock.

The break in happened in Gordon Road, Southend at about 9pm on November 29.

The stolen items were a grey "Everlast" hooded top, a light grey and white Nike Air Max trainers with a pink tick size 5 1/2, and two board games.

Police are investigating and say there was a large group of young people in the area.

If they, or anyone else has any information, please contact Pc Sam Winter, CID, at Southend police station on 101.