A MAN has been left devastated after burglars broke in to his home and swiped more than 100 years of family history.

The callous thieves stole a box containing world one medals, jewellery and an Apple Mac laptop computer during the raid on the flat in Beach Avenue, Leigh on Friday.

The homeowner, who did not want to be named, said: “Most of the things were not worth a great deal. You might get £20 to £30 for the war medals.

“The fact is these were my family’s heirlooms.”

Thieves broke in to the house through the bathroom window between 7.40am and 8pm.

They took two world war one medals, one gold and one silver, which the homeowner believes had rainbow ribbons.

They also took a watch, armaments and an earring with a Swatika on it- which the homeowner’s grandfather had brought back from world war two.

The victim added: “We never really got to the bottom of why my grandad had the earring with the Swastika on it.

“He was captured by the Germans in around 1942 and was imprisoned in a Prisoner of War Camp in Italy.

“He was later marched to Austria where he was liberated by the Red Cross.

“The items were kept in the same box as my other relatives’ war medals.

“This burglary has just left me feeling that my home is not my own anymore.

“I would just appeal to the person who has these, or if anyone knows anything about the burglary to get in touch with the police.”

Police are appealing for any witnesses or anyone with information to contact investigating officer, DC Andrew Copley, at Southend CID on 101.

Or alternatively call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.