Thieves smashed through a bay window of a family home in Harrow and stole around £50,000 worth of jewellery.

Mirza Shahzad and his family had left their home in Headstone Lane to go out for dinner on Sunday, February 7.

When they returned at about 8.50pm they found glass all over the driveway from where a bay window at the front of their house had been smashed.

A large safe containing around £50,000 worth of family jewellery and £450 cash was missing.

Investigating further, Mr Shahzad said the back door to the home had also been broken.

Mr Shahzad said: "They took the whole safe. It had all our family jewellery in it.

"We went out for some food, we were gone for about an hour and a half, and when we came back there was broken glass everywhere.

"It wouldn't have been easy to take that safe, they must have had a car parked in the driveway - they had to break the bay window to get it out.

"My next door neighbour said he saw a van in the driveway, but thought it was us doing something at the house."

Mr Shahzad is appealing for anyone who might have seen the burglary or have information on the crime to come forward.

The father of three said his family were scared to be left along in their home after the ordeal.

He said: "I have young children, they're so scared they don't want to come in the house.

"I can't go to work, they're depressed and scared all the time."

A spokesman for the Metropolitan Police confirmed officers were investigating the break-in, but so far no arrests had been made.

He said: "Harrow Police are investigating an alleged burglary in Headstone Lane, Harrow.

"It occurred between 7.15pm and 8.50pm. A rear door was forced and items of jewellery and currency were taken.

"A window was also smashed at the front of the property.

"No arrests have been made and enquiries are ongoing.

"Any one with information should contact Harrow Police on non-emergency number 101."