THIEVES broke into an Epping house and stole valuables, car keys and a convertible from the driveway outside.

Police are appealing for witnesses after burglars forced a rear UPVC door to gain entry to a house in Shaftesbury Road between 3.45am and 3.50am on Saturday (July 7).

The suspects took vehicle keys, a handbag, cash and laptops from the house and a maroon Peugeot 307 convertible from the driveway outside.

The car was found on Monday (July 9) in Forest Side, Theydon Bois.

Investigating officer PC James Smith said: "I am appealing for anyone who may have seen two men in casual clothing with a black mountain bike in the area at the time to contact me."

Anyone with any information can contact PC Smith on 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Click here to follow the Epping Forest Guardian on Twitter