A HOMEOWNER was left speechless after thieves broke into her house and ripped out the £30,000 fireplace.

The Victorian white marble fire surround, pictured, was taken from a property on South Road, Lancaster, between November 22 and 25.

The theft of the 100-year-old antique has left the home without its 'jewel' says the owner, who wishes to remain anonymous.

She told the Citizen how she walked into the lounge at lunchtime on Saturday and was gobsmacked to find a big empty hole where the fireplace had been.

"I was speechless at first and could not believe my eyes. I was absolutely gutted because it's a beautiful fireplace. Those sorts of things should still be here when we pass on and play a part in history.

"It was the jewel of the house and so now its heart has gone. It was more than 100 years old and it's sad to think that it has been lost while the house is in our ownership."

The solid marble antique would have been very heavy to carry, she says, and adds: "It's irreplaceable because it's the original. I don't think the people who took it realise how much anguish they have caused."

Thieves also made off with a roll top freestanding bath which was waiting to be plumbed in.

Anyone who may have seen the fireplace or the bath is asked to call police on 01524-63333 or Crimestoppers on 0800-555111.