A MUM has been left devastated after thieves stole her car which had irreplaceable baby scan photos inside.

Kira Darkin, 22, of Canterbury Close, Basildon, woke up at about 7am on Saturday, March 26, and discovered that her silver Ford Fiesta, on a 55 plate, had disappeared.

The car, which is worth about £3,500, was last seen parked in Craylands, near the house, at about midnight.

Although there was no signs of a break-in and nothing was out of place, forensics officers who analysed the front door for fingerprints, confirmed that she had been burgled.

Thieves had stolen a set of house keys and car keys, which were hung up in the kitchen.

Mrs Darkin, a mum-of-three, said: "The next morning I opened the curtains and it had gone.

"I ran outside and looked down the road and there was no trace of it. I couldn't believe my eyes when I saw it wasn't there.

"I didn't realise that we had been broken into until the forensics team came round. The door was closed and nothing seemed out of place."

Mrs Darkin has now urged people not to keep sentimental or important items in the car overnight after she has lost irreplaceable photos and memories.

She said: "We had so much in the car. I keep thinking of getting something and then realise that it was in the car.

"I had my daughter's birthing blanket in there, my husband had a pair of sunglasses and I am sure my passport was in there too.

"There were even baby scan photos in there on keyrings. They took them and that is something I'll never get back.

"I don't think people should leave stuff in the car overnight, especially not sentimental things like I did."

She added: "I can't sleep at night now, it has got me very anxious.

"Last night I just kept walking around the house because I couldn't settle - it's a horrible feeling knowing that somebody has been in your house while you have been sleeping.

"It's horrible not having a car anymore. I used it every day without fail, I rely on it a lot."

Essex Police confirmed they are investigating the burglary.

So far, no arrests have been made and the car has not been recovered.

Anyone with information can call Essex Police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.