A CHINESE family were devastated when heartless thieves stole £22,000-worth of goods including their life savings.

The raiders struck at the Food City takeaway on Whalley Road, Clayton-le-Moors, where they stole jewellery worth £12,000 as well as £10,000 in Chinese yen.

Police say the theft occurred between 1pm and 4.30pm on Sunday.

Simon Wan, owner of the business, said this week: "I have been in Clayton-le-Moors for 23 years and nothing like this has happened before.

"The money was our life savings and my wife is very upset by what has happened. We also had our birth certificates, marriage certificate and passports taken.

"The jewellery was Chinese and we have had it a long time. We just cannot believe it has all gone."

Mr Wan runs the business with his wife Christine and children Michael, Jimmy and Lilly.

It is believed the culprits entered the shop through the back door, setting off the alarm which they then ripped off the wall.

They then searched the building before making off with the goods which were contained in two metal safes.

Mr Wan said: "It happened while I was out but somebody must have seen something. When I came in I could see the alarm hanging off the wall and I knew something was wrong.

"The really important thing is that we get the documents back. They are no use to anybody else and we want them returned."

A spokesman for Accrington Police said: "This theft obviously involves a large amount of money and jewellery and inquiries are continuing.''

Anyone with information about the theft should call Accrington CID on 353045 or Crimestoppers, anonymously and in confidence, on 0800 555 111.