A family are devastated after their 'little paradise' on the north Norfolk coast was emptied by thieves.

Eastern Daily Press: The Powell family are devastated after their 'little paradise' was broken into, Rebecca Powell (left) and her sister enjoying happier times on the Broads. Picture: POWELL FAMILY.The Powell family are devastated after their 'little paradise' was broken into, Rebecca Powell (left) and her sister enjoying happier times on the Broads. Picture: POWELL FAMILY. (Image: Archant)

Rebecca Powell, 23, of Essex, said her parents, John and Andrea, were 'absolutely gutted' after their summer retreat in Horning was broken into and around £2,000 of possessions stolen.

Mr and Mrs Powell have owned the holiday home on Lower Street for more than five years have never experienced any problems with crime before. Miss Powell said it was used most weeks by someone but when family members arrived recently, the place had been emptied.

She said: 'We usually go there every week.

'My parents feel gutted. We all do. It's absolutely devastating because it's like our little home there. The fact someone has gone in there - it's really upsetting.'

Eastern Daily Press: The Powell family are devastated after their 'little paradise' was broken into, Pictured is the two bikes which were stolen. Picture: POWELL FAMILY.The Powell family are devastated after their 'little paradise' was broken into, Pictured is the two bikes which were stolen. Picture: POWELL FAMILY. (Image: Archant)

The family were first alerted to a problem around mid-May when a local resident contacted them because they saw a door had been left open. But later, after the building had been checked, everything appeared to be normal.

Miss Powell added: 'I just can't believe that out of all the places we have lived, Horning is the only place we have had burgled.'

Norfolk police now believe the crime took place between midnight on May 13 and 4pm on May 27.

Around £2,000 of possessions were stolen, including two Claud Butler bikes (together worth around £1,000), numerous items of furniture, a fridge, and a water cooler.

Eastern Daily Press: The Powell family are devastated after their 'little paradise' was broken into, Pictured is the stunning view from their holiday home in Horning. Picture: POWELL FAMILY.The Powell family are devastated after their 'little paradise' was broken into, Pictured is the stunning view from their holiday home in Horning. Picture: POWELL FAMILY. (Image: Archant)

A spokeman from Norfolk police said: 'A unknown number of suspects have attend the location and gained access to the summer house stealing items including push bikes and a fridge.

'Anyone who may have witnessed the incident or anyone acting suspiciously during the times stated should contact the Stalham Safer Neighbourhood Team (SNT).'

- If you have any information which could help the police with their investigation please call Stalham SNT on 101.

- Alternatively contact the charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via their anonymous online form at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.