THIEVES who stole a brother and sister's wooden chalet have been branded "absolutely sick" by their mother.

The £250 wooden play house, measuring 8ft by 6ft, was bought by Suzanne and Lee Fox for their two children just before Christmas.

But it had been left in its flat-pack form at the side of their house in Birch Avenue, Haslingden, because of the bad weather.

Suzanne said: "It was a beautiful little house with brown walls, leaded windows and a fancy door in a chalet style. "I hope anyone who has it feels really bad because they have stolen it from two children. They are absolutely sick, how can anyone stoop so low as to steal something from children?"

Suzanne said at 3am on Friday her five-year-old son Oliver woke up unexpectedly. She checked outside but did not see anyone.

She said: " I did notice the gate was unlocked, and that is not how it had been left. Then on Saturday my husband discovered the play house had been stolen.

"I believe it was taken in the early hours of Friday and there must have been two people because it is heavy.

"They must have also had a vehicle because they could not carry it far and we have searched all the streets round here."

She appealed for anyone who sees the playhouse to contact police. Suzanne added: "Oliver keeps telling me some naughty men have taken away the house and my eight-year-old daughter Emily is upset."

Anyone with information is asked to contact Rossendale CID on 01706 237442.