Detectives are hoping that stolen baby equipment could provide clues to thieves who burgled a house at Southend.

A distinctive Phil and Teds double buggy, two junior car seats, a Hello Kitty suitcase and a Minnie Mouse dressing gown were among items left in an Audi car which was driven away after a break-in at Benvenue Avenue, Leigh.

Intruders broke into the house in the early hours of Sunday, August 25 and took a laptop and the keys to a grey Audi A3 Sport parked on the drive. The £30,000 hire car was then driven away and was believed to have left in the direction of Southend.

Investigating officer, Dc Jon Holden, said: "The double buggy and other items are quite distinctive and we hope that someone might come forward with information about their current whereabouts.

"We also want to hear from anyone who might be offered the baby equipment for sale in suspicious circumstances.

"The car is also distinctive but has an Enterprise car hire sticker in rear window and an Enterprise tax disc holder.”

Anyone with information should contact Dc Holden at Southend CID or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

Members of the public are urged to ensure that all doors and windows are secured in the evening and that vehicle keys are not left near the front door but instead are stored out of sight elsewhere.