A devastated family are appealing for the return of priceless photographs of their baby son.

Andrea Robinson and Adrian Carter's home was broken into last Sunday afternoon.

Valuables including jewellery and electronic equipment were taken but the biggest loss was the photos of their seven-month-old baby.

Leo Carter was born with a heart condition and had to spend his early days in hospital, so the pictures taken of his first few months are especially precious to the family.

Andrea, of Grange Avenue, Yeadon, said: “We’ve had a few possessions taken but the most devastating were the photos of our son, who we are really lucky to have, on our digital camera and laptop.

“Those pictures are all we really want back, the rest are just things – though there was ring from my nan that had sentimental value – but these are memories and can't be replaced. We're appealing to anyone who might know where they are to have a heart and get the photographs back to us, whether it's on a memory stick or whatever.”

The family had been out Sunday afternoon before returning just after 6pm to find their patio door had been smashed in and property including a laptop, games console, digital camera, iPod and jewellery stolen.

Andrea said: “The police have been and taken fingerprints and are looking into it but none of our neighbours saw anything.”

Aireborough & Wharfedale Neighbourhood Policing Team Inspector Richard Coldwell said: “We've seen a downturn [in burglaries], contrary to what we'd expect after Christmas, so far. But that doesn't mean it will continue or that people shouldn't be vigilant,make sure their doors are locked. We’d ask residents to keep computers and other hi-tech equipment out of view and, if they have anything of value stored on them, to back them up.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Proactive Crime Team at Weetwood Police Station on 101.