Ref. 73128-13 Sad faces The Lock family, from the left, Asa, Aisha, Joshua, James their mother Allison, Kayliegh and Hannah, in the empty garage raided by thievesFOUR children have been left devastated after thieves cleared out an entire garage filled with their toys.

Crooks also took gifts they were collecting for children in Gambia

The theft came to light after the garage block was targeted by arsonists.

When firemen forced the lock, Josh, three, Asa, 10, Aisha, 13, and 14-year-old Hannah Lock expected to see their possessions stored safely inside.

Instead, they were horrified to find the unit empty.

Offenders had stolen more than £1,000 worth of their toys and bedroom furniture, which was being stored while their mother Allison redecorated the house.

Also snatched were bags of clothing and toys the family were planning to give to children in Gambia during a holiday.

Mrs Lock, 42, of Cypress Grove, Pinehurst, said: "I just can't believe someone could do something like this. It's horrible, we're all really upset because we are not insured."

Fire crews were called when arsonists torched a stolen car at the garages in Mulberry Grove.

As a precaution, officers wanted to remove Mrs Lock's property.

"When they said the garage was empty, I told them they had the wrong one," she said.

"I couldn't believe it when I saw it for myself."

The thieves had taken scooters, bikes, bags of teddies and dolls, beds, mattresses and lamps.

Mrs Lock is mystified because they also took items such as old doors and even a bale of hay used for the children's guinea pigs.

The gifts of clothing and toys were to be delivered to a school in Serrekunda. Gambia, with which the family has links. "We're still going on holiday, we're not letting them stop that," said Mrs Lock.

Earlier in the year the family appealed through the Adver for donations of McDonald's Happy Meal toys to take with them.

They collected 250 and luckily these were stored in their home.

Many of the children's toys had sentimental value, such as a collection of Lego worth £500 which belonged to Mrs Lock's eldest son Paul, 24.

"He began collecting Lego when he was three and was planning to hand it down," said Mrs Lock.

Aisha lost three blackbags filled with soft toys. "I'm really sad because I have had them since I was little and I wanted to give them to my children one day," she said.

Asa added: "I lost my scooter, go-cart and bike."

Mrs Lock cannot understand how the raiders gained entry as the firefighters said the lock was not damaged before they forced it

Swindon Council which owns the block confirmed it had not cleared the unit for any reason.

Anyone with information should call Swindon police on 01793 528111.

Tamash Lal