A FATHER of three was left heartbroken after his three-year-old daughter's necklace and priceless family pictures were taken in a burglary at their Great Lever home.

The thieves scattered precious photographs in the street as they escaped, with some found as far away as paths near the Royal Bolton Hospital.

Iftekhar Bashir, his wife, two sons, aged 10 and 12, and three-year-old daughter were staying with relatives while an extension was being built on their home in Rishton Avenue.

Mr Bashir left the property secure but was contacted by a neighbour saying there had been a break-in.

When he returned home, the house had been ransacked and the only things stolen was jewellery, including bangles and the £700 necklace belonging to his daughter, and irreplaceable family photos.

Mr Bashir said: "That is the most distressing part of all this. The necklace and everything else I can buy again. She is only three years old and is upset. But the pictures of my children when they were younger and us all as a family — I can't get them back."

Several people have returned some photographs they have found on the street after the thieves discarded them.

Mr Bashir, who said CCTV at the hospital was being looked at as part of the investigation, urged anyone who finds the photographs to return them or give them to the authorities.

He added: "We have never been burgled and it is a close-knit community."

Taxi driver Mr Bashir said forensic officers told him there were three burglars all wearing gloves.

A police spokesman said the were called to the break which happened overnight of the weekend of November 8. The first floor was searched. There have been no arrests.

Anyone with information should call police on 0161 8565619 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.