DETECTIVES investigating a burglary in Birkenhead have released CCTV stills of a van believed to have been used during the incident.

The white "Peugeot Partner" was parked outside the house in Park Road West on Sunday afternoon, with three men inside.

The vehicle was reversed up the driveway before the trio got out and entered the house. During the incident there was no registration plate on display.

The homeowner was out at the time and returned at around 6.45pm to discover the break-in and reported a large amount of expensive family jewellery had been stolen.

Crime scene investigators attended and forensically examined the house. Detectives are viewing CCTV from the local area.

Detective Inspector Rachel Wilson, from Wirral CID, said: "This was a brazen burglary carried out in the middle of the afternoon while the homeowner was out.

"Once inside they have searched the property and stole distinctive Indian Gold jewellery of significant value to the family.

"I would urge anyone who recognises the van pictured, knows who owns it or anyone who may have seen it in the area to get in touch.

"I would encourage anyone who is offered any kind of jewellery, but in particular Indian Gold, for sale in suspicious circumstances to contact the police.

"Jewellery of this kind is rare, of high value and only sold by specialist jewellers so I am sure that it would arouse suspicions if it was sold on in any other way.

"This family have suffered a burglary and also had their treasured possessions stolen so it is important that anyone with information does the right thing and shares it with the police or Crimestoppers."

Anyone with information should call police on 0151 777 2260 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.