A devastated family is offering a cash reward for information after sentimental jewellery was stolen from their home.

Watches, rings and earrings belonging to Claire Smith’s mother were taken when their Theydon Bois home was raided by thieves on Wednesday.

Mrs Smith, 55, and her husband John were away from their house in Morgan Crescent between 8am and 5.30pm and came home to discover that they had been burgled.

Howard Smith, the couple’s son said that his mother is heartbroken.

He said: “A lot of it was my nan’s jewellery who passed away in March.

“I can't begin to tell you the value, not just financially but more importantly sentimentally to my Mum as the majority can't be replaced and she has been left with no physical item belonging to her late mother.

“Safe to say she is utterly devastated and heartbroken.”

Amongst the items stolen was a steel and gold Cartier santos watch, a Cartier gold and diamond love bangle, a gold Raymond Weil watch with diamond trim, a set of large pure black pearls and earrings.

An enamelled gold, blue and orange butterfly pendant was also stolen, along with a chunky gold Aztec bangle, a large diamond ring in a gold band and a ruby ring surrounded by diamonds.

However the most important item to the family is a gold choker style necklace which looks like fringing.

Mr Smith has come home from Brighton to help his parents try to find the jewellery which was stolen in 8 antique boxes.

He said: “They trashed my mum’s room. The police don’t think that they were in the house for very long.

“I refuse to believe that the jewellery has disappeared. I am willing to give a cash reward to get my nan’s jewellery back.”

Anyone who has any information should call police on 101.