A young family have been left without a home after selfish and callous thieves broke in and flooded their house over the Christmas period.

The family, who have a two-year-old daughter, had been visiting relatives over Christmas when their home in Blackmoor Close, Darlington, was targeted by burglars.

In the horrific incident, the suspects ransacked the entire house, and cruelly blocked the sinks and left the taps running, causing the house to flood and ceilings to collapse.

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Several personal items were also stolen, including a TV, Xbox, and PlayStation.

The incident is believed to have happened sometime on Christmas Eve, according to Durham Police, who are investigating the serious incident.

The Northern Echo: The roof following the serious incident. Picture: NORTHERN ECHOThe roof following the serious incident. Picture: NORTHERN ECHO (Image: NORTHERN ECHO)

PC Stefan Haynes, from Darlington Volume Crime Team, said: “This is an utterly appalling incident which has completely destroyed a young family’s home, leaving them with nowhere to live. Whoever is responsible should be ashamed of themselves.

The Northern Echo: The thieves also blocked the sinks. Picture: DURHAM POLICEThe thieves also blocked the sinks. Picture: DURHAM POLICE (Image: NORTHERN ECHO)

“I would like to make an appeal to anyone who has been in the area over recent days to think back - have you seen anyone acting suspiciously? Did you hear or see anything unusual?

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“If you have any information, no matter how small or insignificant you think it may be, please come forward and speak to us – sometimes, even the smallest detail can progress our investigation and help us bring those responsible to justice.”

Anyone with any information that could help the investigation is asked to contact PC Haynes at Stefan.Haynes@durham.police.uk

Alternatively, information can be passed on to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.