DETECTIVES are hunting for burglars who raided two homes the day after Christmas.

More than £5,000 worth of goods and cash was taken from the two properties in Colne, including two cars, children’s toys, games consoles and a mountain bike.

The Boxing Day burglaries took place between 5pm and 10.40pm on Elm Street and between 8pm on December 26 and 4.30am on December 27 on Skipton Road.

Inspector Chris Valentine described the incident as ‘distressing’ for the two families concerned. and said: “Given the location of the two incidents I would suggest they are linked.”

Police said burglars raided the house on Elm Street while the family were away from home and ransacked every room.

They took an £300 Xbox One, a £700 Cube Attention mountain bike, £500 in cash and a silver Ford Transit van.

The second incident, on Skipton Road, was reported to police at around 4.30am on December 27.

Burglars stole £300 worth of toys, a £70 silver Bush TV and a Playstation Four, which is worth £200.

A blue Vauxhall Insignia, worth around £3,500, was also stolen but was recovered by police on a side street off Langroyd Road.

Detectives are hunting for two male suspects wearing woolly hats and who were seen using torches at around 1am on Castle Road, which is less than a mile away from both streets.

Police have urged anyone who has any information to come forward.

Mr Valentine added: “They are the only two burglaries to have taken place over the Christmas period in Colne.”

Anyone with information should contact the police on 101 referencing log 1384 of December 26 or 239 of December 27.