A FAMILY say they were left feeling "devastated and violated" after burglars broke into their home and stole their car - later crashing it into a lamppost.

The two offenders entered the property on Ennerdale Avenue, Clinkham Wood in the early hours of Wednesday, March 6.

They stole items from the property including coats, £80 in cash, jewellery, a wallet including cards and a driving licence, a bag containing money, cards and a licence and medication.

The break-in took place while Samantha Bell, husband Adrian and children George, three and Jasmine, nine, were in bed.

"We were in bed and at around 3.30am there was a loud bang on the door and it was the police," said Samantha, 27.

"I was devastated and felt violated, especially as we had children in bed, with a three and nine-year-old asleep.

"We have been out of pocket, we spent thousands on the car and we've had to pay for new coats as they were expensive.

"Our insurance has gone up by about £700.

"The last we heard they were taking forensics as they smashed their heads on the windscreen."

Samantha says she has been told the car was travelling in excess of 60mph when it crashed into a lamppost on Haresfinch Road.

Police are still hunting for the offenders.

Both offenders are described at being between 5 ft 9 in and 5 ft 11in white, and of a slim build.

One was wearing a dark blue/navy Under Armour hat which was recovered from the vehicle. They were also described as wearing a black or dark-coloured ‘Fat Face’ jacket with grey metal buttons and black tracksuit bottoms.

A Merseyside Police spokeswoman said: "We were called to Ennerdale Avenue, St Helens at around 3am on Wednesday, March 6 to reports a BMW saloon had been stolen from an address.

"A short time later the vehicle was in collision with a lamppost. The offenders ran off from the car.

"The road was closed while the fire service attended and the lamppost was made safe.

"The car was recovered for CSI examination and enquiries carried out with neighbours.

"A wedding ring and engagement ring were also stolen from the property.

"Anyone with any information about this incident can call 101 or DM @MerPolCC or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111."