A HUNTINGDONSHIRE family are experiencing a real-life nightmare before Christmas after burglars broke into their home. Bob Wilson, 44, his wife Debbie, 46, and two of their three children were asleep in their Somersham home when callous thieves struck, ta

A HUNTINGDONSHIRE family are experiencing a real-life nightmare before Christmas after burglars broke into their home.

Bob Wilson, 44, his wife Debbie, 46, and two of their three children were asleep in their Somersham home when callous thieves struck, taking everything they could carry - including a 40-inch television.

The burglary, which happened between 2.30am and 7am on Saturday (December 13) has shaken Mr and Mrs Wilson's children, Lawrence, nine, Amber, 17 and 20-year-old Sophie. Lawrence is now afraid to go to sleep in case the burglars return.

The family are now facing a bleak Christmas because Mr and Mrs Wilson have cancelled all their bank cards and have no means to pay for any shopping in the run up to the festive period.

Other belongings taken during the burglary included two laptops, two satellite navigation systems, a Nintendo Wii console and games, and cash.

Mrs Wilson said: "I came downstairs at 2am because Lawrence wasn't feeling well and needed some Calpol. Everything was as it should be then. I was with him until 2.30am and we didn't hear anything."

Mr Wilson discovered the grim scene later that morning.

He said: "The cold was the first thing I noticed when I came downstairs, because they had left the doors open, and then I saw that the TV was gone. I didn't look around anymore, I just called Debbie."

Mrs Wilson said: "I felt sick. I didn't panic. I just couldn't believe it. I was more worried about Lawrence."

Despite everything, Mrs Wilson is relieved that the children's presents were not taken.

She said: "I had considered putting the presents under the tree on Friday night but I decided to wait another couple of days. I'm glad I did."

The burglars, who police believe to be local, forced open two doors to get into the Wilson's home, coming in through the conservatory.

Mr Wilson said: "I want people to be more aware, I want them to think before they go to bed and take their bags and keys upstairs with them. We got too complacent with security. People need to make sure their doors are locked and bolted and as secure as possible."

The burglary also meant that Lawrence, a season-ticket holder at Cambridge United since he was two years old, missed an historic match on Saturday.

Mr Wilson said: "It is only the second time that Lawrence has ever missed a home game - and we beat Histon for the first time since the 1940s.