Burglars smashed their way into a north Dorset home in broad daylight and stole jewellery, watches and a camera.

Sometime between 7.50am and 4.20pm on Friday (November 30), burglars broke into a house off Bath Road between Sturminster Newton and Hinton St Mary.

It is believed the offenders used a large squirrel garden ornament to smash a window and gain access to the property.

A camera bag containing a Canon EOS camera, four lenses, a flash and other items was taken from downstairs and a quantity of jewellery and men’s watches were taken from upstairs.

The jewellery stolen included a heavy gold 18-carat twisted link chain bracelet, a 14-carat gold choker necklace, a sapphire and opal eternity ring, an emerald and diamond eternity ring and pearl and gold earrings.

The watches included a Vivienne Westwood horseshoe watch, a Tag Heuer Formula One watch and two Tissot watches.

A World War One Queen Mary brass Christmas box with hand-written cards and a silver bullet pen inside was also stolen.

Police are now appealing for witnesses or anyone with information to come forward.

Police Constable Glen Caddy, of North Dorset police, said: “We have been carrying out a number of enquiries into this incident and conducted a reassurance visit to the victims.

“As we continue our investigation, I am appealing for anyone with information about this burglary or who comes across any of the items described in unusual or suspicious circumstances to contact us.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police by emailing 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55180192855.