A mum has been left confused and bereft after a bizarre house burglary.

Karen Curwood, 52, of Mill Road, Maldon, had a favourite picture stolen from her home last Saturday.

She said: “It’s absolutely weird, the picture had great sentimental value, it’s like someone has done this to hurt me.”

Mrs Curwood was out of her house last Saturday when police believe a thief entered through her front door, stole the picture which son Shane Mcdougall, 22, had given her for Christmas, and left.

She said: “I don’t understand why someone would just take the picture.

“I feel awful that someone walked into my house while I was out."