TWO men have been charged after Christmas presents were stolen from a Barrow house.

Ciaran Crellin, 21, of Marsh Street, and Dale Smith, 21, of Risingside, both in Barrow, have been charged with burglary after wrapped presents were taken from a house on Lorne Road.

They have both appeared at Barrow Magistrates’ Court.

Mr Smith appeared on Monday and Mr Crellin today and have been remanded until January 4 2019.

Mr Smith has also been charged with two additional offences of theft from motor vehicles.

Two women aged 18 arrested on suspicion of handling stolen goods have been released under investigation.

Detective Sergeant Duncan Helmn said: “We take all burglary reports extremely seriously. Our officers have worked swiftly and two men have now been charged.

“I would like to thank the public for their help. However, we are continuing our efforts to try to trace some of the outstanding gifts taken in the burglary and would like to hear from anyone in the Barrow area who has been offered goods for sale or who can provide further information about their whereabouts.

"If you have any information I would urge you to contact DC 1695 Amy Loebell by calling 101, or alternatively you can contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111."

Lesley Stevenson-Hill had previously spoken of her shock after discovery the presents intended for granddaughters Macey, aged seven, and Eva, aged four, had been stolen.