Thieves have left three children without a Christmas after stealing presents from under the tree.

The youngsters arrived home after a weekend away to find the gifts gone and their computer missing.

Their mother, Lorna Maslen, has enlisted the help of friends in a desperate search for replacement presents to ensure the youngsters have something to open on Christmas Day.

Her son Ben Swaby, 15, a pupil at Cardinal Newman School, Hove, said: "I was quite shocked at first but now I'm upset, mainly for my little brother and sister John and Shelby.

"They have been excited about Christmas. I don't know what I would say to the thieves. I would probably say something bad.

"I hope they realise what they have done."

Ben, John, 11, Shelby, seven, and their mum were out when the thieves struck at their home in Whitehawk Way, Whitehawk, Brighton, on Sunday between 1.30pm and 4.30pm.

It is believed they got into the house through the dog flap in the back door and left the property through the front door.

One witness spotted a young boy leaving the property by the front door but assumed he was a family friend.

The culprits left a trail of mud through the house and perfect footprints for the police to examine.

Mrs Maslen, 38, said: "I want to warn people not to put presents under the tree.

"This is the first year I have done it. I've never done it before. I've lost about £300 of presents."

Mrs Maslen does not want to reveal what has been stolen as she is trying to replace the items but the haul included electrical gifts and clothes.

She said the computer, which helps her son John, who suffers from ADHD, dyspraxia and dyslexia, was also taken.

Mrs Maslen said: "I haven't even paid for the computer yet.

"When the children came in and saw the house they were scared the people would come back.

"I've told them it was probably naughty children."

A Sussex Police spokeswoman said: "Forensic officers attended the premises shortly after the burglary had been reported and our investigation is continuing."

The force has launched a Christmas crime prevention campaign, Operation Cracker, advising people not to put presents under the tree.

Other tips include making sure your house looks occupied.

People are also urged to use time switches for lighting, close the curtains, keep homes secure and store gifts out of sight until Christmas Day.

Police said neighbours should report anything suspicious and householders should not leave goods and presents on view inside cars.

As part of Operation Cracker, police have produced leaflets and posters to be distributed across the county offering crime prevention advice.

The seasonal tips can also be found on the force web site at www.sussex.police.uk.