HUNDREDS of antique watches worth tens of thousands of pounds have been stolen during a devastating burglary.

Thieves snatched a collection of 500 time pieces during the raid, on a home in Gordon Road, South Woodford - which included several time pieces which were more than a century old.

The home owner returned home last Wednesday (October 14) to find his kitchen door had been smashed and his watches - which he had been collecting for many years - had gone.

Among the collection were a priceless 'Spitfire' watch from the Second World War, and a luxury Longines with a gold face worth £8,000.

Police are appealing for witnesses to come forward with information about the burglary - which is thought to have taken place between 2.30pm and midnight.

Anyone with information should contact DC Andrew Revell at Ilford Police Station on: 8345 2781 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on: 0800 555 111.