A devastated mother has made an emotional plea for help to catch thieves who broke into her family’s home and made off with jewellery worth thousands of pounds.

Shabina Ali, of Sheerness, returned home at about 10.40pm last Saturday after visiting family.

The 39-year-old, who was with her two children, aged nine and six, could not open the door because the safety chain had been pulled across.

Mrs Ali, whose husband was away working, said: “I was really scared as I had my children with me.

“I pushed the door a few times and tried to put my hand through to release the chain but I didn’t want to force it with the children there. They were really scared.

“They kept asking me if someone was inside.”

Mrs Ali called her brother Mashud, 28, for help and he came and managed to release the chain.

Mrs Ali said: “Once inside we saw that burglars had smashed the window and taken the frame out. We called the police straight away.”

“All my wedding jewellery, my whole set, has gone, I had bangles, necklaces, earrings and wedding rings – all pure gold. It’s devastating" - Shabina Ali

Items taken include presents bought by Mrs Ali for her children and jewellery that had been passed down to her from her mother and late father.

Mrs Ali’s entire jewellery set, bought for her wedding 12 years ago, including her wedding rings, necklaces and earrings, were also taken, as was some cash.

She said: “I had some jewellery given to me from my mum and dad – he passed away a few years back – and now it’s all gone, it’s really upsetting.

“All my wedding jewellery, my whole set, has gone, I had bangles, necklaces, earrings and wedding rings – all pure gold. It’s devastating.”

A USB with hundreds of photos of Mrs Ali’s son was also stolen and memory boxes for her children were ruined in the burglary.

Mrs Ali is now appealing to anyone who has seen the items to come forward.

“They were worth a lot of money but I’m not worried about that, there is so much sentimental value,” she said.

“You just don’t think it’s going to happen to you.”

Police are investigating.