BURGLARS smashed their way into a North Dorset property using a large squirrel garden ornament, police say.

A camera bag containing a Canon EOS camera, four lenses, a flash and other items were snatched in the raid, along with a quantity of jewellery and men's watches.

The burglary, at a home off Bath Road between Sturminster Newton and Hinton St Mary, occurred between 7.50am and 4.20pm on Friday, November 30.

Investigators believe the squirrel was used to smash a window of the home.

Constable Glen Caddy, of North Dorset police, said: "We have been carrying out a number of enquiries into this incident and conducted a reassurance visit to the victims.

"As we continue our investigation, I am appealing for anyone with information about this burglary or who comes across any of the items described in unusual or suspicious circumstances to contact us."

The stolen jewellery included a heavy gold 18-carat twisted link chain bracelet, a 14-carat gold choker necklace, a sapphire and opal eternity ring, an emerald and diamond eternity ring and pearl and gold earrings.

The watches included a Vivienne Westwood horseshoe watch, a Tag Heuer Formula One watch and two Tissot watches.

A World War One Queen Mary brass Christmas box with hand-written cards and a silver bullet pen inside was also stolen.

Anyone with information should contact Dorset Police on 101, quoting occurrence number 55180192855.