Thousands of pounds worth of jewellery, including an engagement ring and a family heirloom, were stolen from the home of a young Ipswich family.

Ross Wilson was at his mother’s 60th birthday party in Hadleigh last Saturday with his wife and two children – Elijah, three, and one-year-old Casper – when their home in Palmerston Road was burgled.

The family left home at 11am and returned at 3pm to find the door to their utility room was open and the drawers in the couple’s bedroom rifled through.

Among the items taken was a white gold ring with a green gem, which was the first ring that Mr Wilson gave to his wife, Sarah, 32, around 11 years ago. Also stolen was a gold ring with a flower on that was left to Mrs Wilson by her grandmother when she died 15 years ago and had been in the family for more than 60 years.

The thieves also took Mrs Wilson’s gold diamond engagement ring, two men’s Armani watches, a Dell laptop and 10 pairs of cufflinks, one of which was given to Mr Wilson as a graduation gift from his grandmother.

Mr Wilson, 31, said he and his wife were devastated by the burglary.

“The sentimental things hurt but I think as well they’ve gone through all the drawers in our bedroom and through the underwear drawer,” he added. “It feels like you have been violated when someone goes through all your personal stuff.

“We are just glad we weren’t in the house. They probably knocked and got no answer so went round the back. Quite often if we are with the kids and changing a nappy we won’t get to the door, we don’t know what could have happened.”

Mr Wilson said he had made a claim with his insurance company for £2,000 to cover the cost of the stolen items.

Anyone with information should call Suffolk Constabulary on 101.