Raiders ransack Whittington home and take computer

Burglars who broke into a home in a village near Oswestry ransacked the house before stealing computer equipment.

Raiders ruined furniture and carpets at the detached property in Whittington, pouring paint and chemicals around the house.

Police today appealed for witnesses who may have seen something suspicious in the area.

The house in Birchwood Drive, off Yew Tree Avenue, was broken into between 9.30pm on Thursday and 10am on Friday. The house was empty at the time as the occupant was away overnight.

Hundreds of pounds of computer gaming equipment and a laptop were stolen in the raid.

Constable Lisa Bullock, the investigating officer for West Mercia Police, said that the burglars forced their way in by smashing a door.

They then carried out an untidy search of all the rooms before making off with their haul, she said. Constable Bullock said: "There was a tin of white paint in the dining room which has been emptied onto several pieces of furniture."

The burglars then poured bleach and toilet cleaner over furniture and carpets throughout the house, Constable Bullock said.

A Nintendo Wii and games, an Xbox 360 with games and an Acer Aspire laptop were stolen from the premises. It is not known whether a vehicle was used in the burglary.

Constable Bullock appealed for information to help the investigation. She said: "Anyone who saw anything suspicious in the area on the night or who thinks they know who is responsible should contact Oswestry police station on 101."

Information can also be passed on anonymously by calling the Crimestoppers hotline on 0800 555 111.