A resident living on one of Weymouth's busiest roads has told of his shock after burglars smashed through the door of his family home in a brazen daylight raid.

The man and his family went out for the afternoon and returned to find a large hole in their front door.

They discovered electrical items including an MacBook, Chromebook and an Xbox – a Christmas present for their children – had been stolen from inside.

The incident has left the family very shaken up.

Police are investigating the burglary in Rodwell Road and are appealing for witnesses.

Resident Sam Childs said: "We had been out for about three hours, and had had a lovely afternoon.

"Returning home, the children were slightly ahead of my wife and I with the house keys, then suddenly ran back, panicking about ‘a big hole in the front door’.

"As soon as I saw it I knew what had happened and immediately called the police – having to then go room-to-room checking for intruders is not something you ever think you’ll have to do, especially when you live on such a busy street."

Mr Childs added: "The children were confused and scared, and so sad about having their Christmas present taken. They’re coping well now, we just want to make them feel safe again after such an appalling, brazen violation of our home.

"We have a strong network of friends round here, and already have a reinforced replacement door and lots of other offers of help thanks to their generosity.

"I’m absolutely furious that someone has done this to our home and family, and hope whoever did it one day has to face how their greed and nastiness traumatises people."

The burglary happened between 4pm and 7pm on Sunday, June 30.

As of yesterday daytime, the family had still not been visited by the police so they could give a full statement about what happened.

An officer did attend the property last night and a full statement was obtained.

Dorset Police said initial details were taken when they received a call on Sunday and an officer later attended but there was no reply and it appeared the premises had been boarded up.

Due to other other high priority commitments, officers were not able to visit again until last night.

Inspector Neil Wood, of Dorset Police, said: “We remain fully committed to investigating this offence and ensuring those responsible are identified.”

Witnesses or anyone with information about the burglary is asked to contact Dorset Police on 101, quoting occurrence number 55190099453.