BURGLARS stole 200-year-old family heirlooms and left a beloved family pet distressed and injured.

Detectives are investigating after raiders targeted the house in Goldsmiths Avenue in Corringham between 1.30pm and 5.45pm on Friday.

The thieves smashed their way in to the house through a rear french door and stole a safe containing a will and a 200-year-old gold crucifix.

They also took a jewellery box containing gold jewellery belonging to the owner’s late wife.

Investigating Officer Ds Eileen Mullins said: "During the burglary the occupant's cockatiel has been injured and suffered nasty wounds to its body, however this probably happened as the suspects broke in and the bird became distressed."

The bird, which has been in the victim’s family for around 20 years has been treated by vets, but is still poorly.

Essex Police are appealing for anyone with information to contact Ds Mullins at Grays Police Station on 101.