A family has been left traumatised after thieves broke into their home while they slept.

Patricia and Hector Payne, both 44, woke to find their house, in Priory Road, Dartford, had been ransacked by burglars.

The family's two Mercedes were stolen during the night -time raid, along with designer handbags, a wallet, coats and Hector’s wedding ring.

It has left their two children "terrified", having suffered a similar break-in six years ago.

Teaching assistant Patricia said: “My husband woke-up at 6.45am, and went downstairs to find the front door open and the living room door open, too.

“He looked outside and saw my car was gone, then looked across the road and saw his was also missing.

“We are devastated by this invasion, especially with us in the house.

“My daughters are terrified. They want to move as this is the second burglary at our home.

“The first was six years ago and it took us a long time to get over that.

"Now this - it shakes the foundation of your lives.

“At the end of the day I know it’s just material things and the family is fine, traumatised, but fine.

“These people will never grow a conscience or realise the extent of their action.”

Police spokesman James Walker said: “Police are investigating a burglary that took place at property in Dartford, between midnight and 6am on Tuesday, January 22.

"We are devastated by this invasion, especially with us in the house... my daughters are terrified" - Patricia Payne

“Two vehicles belonging to the victims are reported to have been stolen.

"At present no suspects have been identified, however, officers are conducting ongoing inquiries.”

Mrs Payne thinks the burglary is linked to a spate of similar shocking crimes in the area, with another happening on the same day being investigated.

A vehicle and various electrical items were stolen from a property in Hallford Way, Dartford, just after 2.30am on the day the Payne family were targeted.

However, it was abandoned in an Erith car park and recovered by police the following day.

No suspects have been identified and inquiries are ongoing.