A MOTHER has spoken of her heartache after burglars stole presents for her five-year-old son.

Veronica Nolan, 35, of Arran Street, Burnley, returned from breakfast at her son's school to find his Christmas presents had been taken from under the tree in their their lounge.

Today she branded the burglars "evil" and said: "They have ruined Christmas."

Her son Daniel, a reception-class pupil at Cherry Fold, would have received a red car, figures from the Bob the Builder series, teddies, a moulding kit, an Etch-a-Sketch, a tracksuit and various other gifts.

But he will now have to make do with one or two small gifts as Veronica, who is on benefits, cannot afford to replace the ones that were stolen.

Veronica said: "Daniel's really excited about Christmas and doesn't know this has happened. I don't know what I'm going to tell him. I had spent all my money buying the things he wanted and I certainly can't afford to replace them. We will have to make do with some things from the pound shop.

"I just can't believe anyone would steal from a child. It's evil. I wouldn't do that to anyone.

"I wish they had taken anything they wanted from me, but this is just heartbreaking because they have taken it from a five-year-old who is really understanding Christmas for the first time.

"I'm not bothered about things for me but Christmas is a time when it's nice to get something nice for Daniel.

"I had heard that burglary could be scary but I have felt really freaked out knowing the people have been in our house.

"They have ruined Christmas for us in some ways, but I expect we'll do our best to make it as good as possible."

One or more burglars entered the house through the back door. Anyone with information should call Burnley Police on 01282 425001.