Expensive items including a phone, a laptop and designer jackets were stolen from a house while the homeowners were asleep upstairs.

Police say the burglary at a house in Peverell Avenue East, Poundbury, occurred sometime between 10.20pm on Monday and 7.30am today.

One of the victims, a man aged in his 70s, came down in the morning to find the front door unlocked and a number of items missing including an iPad Mini, an iPhone 5S, a blue canvas bag, an Apple MacBook Pro, an older Apple laptop and three Berghaus jackets.

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

Police Constable Mark Powell, of Dorchester police, said: "We are carrying out enquiries into this burglary and I am appealing for anyone who witnessed any suspicious activity in the area of Peverell Avenue East on the night of Monday 11 February to contact us.

"I would also like to hear from anyone who comes across any items matching those stolen being offered for sale in unusual circumstances."

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk, via email 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55190022334.

Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via www.crimestoppers-uk.org.