A HUSBAND and wife were left devastated after thousands of pounds of jewellery was stolen in a burglary.

The couple, who are too afraid of reprisals to be named, have appealed through the police for the return of their items following the raid at their home in Park Crescent, Revidge, Blackburn.

And police said the burglar will struggle to sell the items on because they are so rare they would quickly arouse suspicion.

The burglar broke in through a window between 3.30pm and 6pm on Wednesday.

Asian jewellery, mostly 24-carat gold and uncut diamonds, was taken -- although Detective Constable Dave Souch said the items were priceless to the couple such was their sentimental worth.

Items stolen include a gold and diamond choker, five gold sovereign rings, five solid gold bangles, gold coins, as well as jewellery from their wedding day 35 years ago.

DC Souch said the couple were devastated by the burglary and desperate for the return of the items.

He said: "Whoever has taken the items may find them quite hard to sell on.

"They are all family heirlooms and jewellery bought for her by her husband 35 years ago so they will not be able to replace the items.

"We appeal for anyone with information to contact us immediately."

He added that police were keeping an open mind whether the burglar knew about the expensive collection of jewellery or if he or she had just struck lucky.

Call Blackburn CID on 01254 353569 or Crimestoppers in confidence on 0800 555 111 with information.