A GRIEVING woman has been left heartbroken after pictures of family members who had recently died were stolen during a burglary.

The 39-year-old homeowner was asleep on the settee but woke when two men broke into her Little Pasture home in Leigh and walked into the living room.

She shouted at them to get out before one of them stole her mobile phone at around 1.40am on Tuesday, November 12.

It was not until they had left that she realised the offenders had taken a small moneybox tin that contained pictures of her dad and aunt who had recently died.

One of the men is described as being white, six foot tall, in his 40s and of slim build. He had a moustache and was wearing dark clothing and a cap.

There is no description of the second man.

Police Constable Jimmy Mitchell from Leigh Police Station said: “The woman was asleep and the last thing she expected was to be awoken by these men in her home. Obviously she was shocked and frightened as she did not know what would happen to her.

“When they left she searched the house to see if anything had been taken and realised that the moneybox had been stolen. She is devastated that it was taken due to the sentimental photos that were inside.

“I would ask anyone who may have come across the box that is around nine by five inches and a maroon colour to contact police. She is desperate to be reunited with these photographs.”

Anyone with information should phone police on 0161 856 7225 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.