Burglars steal Christmas gifts from under tree

An English family's Christmas has been ruined after two burglars broke into their London home and stole gifts from under their Christmas tree.

The thieves are believed to have first scaled a fence into the back garden of the house, located in Mitcham, 11km south of London city centre, on Saturday night to raid the Christmas tree.

They then returned early on Sunday morning to steal more items, including jewellery, cameras, a tablet and a laptop.

A cuddly toy, intended for a baby's first Christmas, was also destroyed by the heartless thieves.

"Once inside, they walked around leaving dirty footprints as they made their untidy search," a Scotland Yard spokesman said.

Police have appealed to the public for help in catching the men.

Families have also been warned to keep Christmas gifts out of view of windows so as not to encourage would-be thieves.