CALLOUS crooks grabbed bags full of Christmas presents in a raid on a Clacton family’s home.

Dad-of-ten John Palmer arrived home at his Hastings Avenue house at about noon on Friday after forgetting his wallet.

And he found his patio door had been smashed open by burglars, who had already escaped with a haul of jewellery and electrical gear, as well as bags full of Christmas presents.

Among the items stolen were two Sony Vaio laptops, two JVC 6-inch TVs and a Raymond Weil watch.

John said: “More than anything it feels awful someone having been in your house, looking through your things. It is horrible."

But the toughest blow for the family to take was the theft of bags full of wrapped Christmas presents for John’s children.

The bags were full of gifts for the youngsters, including their main presents and a host of stocking fillers.

John added: “It’s devastating, but at the end of the day you have got to pick yourself up and carry on.

“We are determined not to let it spoil Christmas for us and for the children."