Thieves stole jewellery belonging to a nine-year-old disabled girl after ransacking her family home.

The intruders even stole pillow cases belonging to Jessica Doolan, to carry off other items stolen from her family home in St Andrews Road Bishop Auckland.

The youngster, who has cerebral palsy, was enjoying a week away with her parents Hank and Karen and brother Peter when the thieves broke in through her bedroom window.

Mother Karen said: "We are just pleased that she wasn't in her bedroom when they broke in. She would have been terrified and she would not have been able to call out to us for help."

Mr and Mrs Doolan cut short their family holiday after a call from neighbours to say they had been burgled.

When they returned they were unable to spend the night at home because it was in such a mess.

He said: "They have cleaned us out. We are devastated. They did not just take our things they emptied out draws and cupboards and left the place in such a mess. We feel like we have been violated. Jessica was upset because she could not come in the house when we got home. We cannot believe they would do this to a disabled child.

"We are trying to be philosophical about it, but there are a lot of things they have taken that we cannot replace.

"We know that we probably won't get our things back, but we would like anyone who is offered anything to call the police."

Among the things stolen were all of Jessica's christening jewellery which she wore on special occasions, a collection of decorative eggs, a coin collection, unusual Chinese ornaments and a computer and hi fi.

PC Geoff Moore from Bishop Auckland police is appealing for witnesses to help catch the thieves.

He said: "The burglars gained access to the property through a room specially adapted for Jessica and it must have been obvious to them that the items they were stealing from that room belonged to a young disabled girl."

Witnesses can call Bishop Auckland CID on 01388 603566.