Pilgrimage family returns home to find home ransacked

RAID anguish: Sheikh Muhammad surveys the mess

A FAMILY returned from a muslim pilgrimmage to find the house ransacked — with even the children’s piggy banks raided and the fireplace ripped from the wall.

The joyous pilgrimage trip turned into a devastating return for Sheikh Muhammad, his wife Maryam Mirza and daughters Eman (7) and 18-month-old Maham, from Broadway, Chadderton.

The family returned yesterday after a two-week “umrah” — mini pilgrimage — to Saudi Arabia. The raiders had made off with Maryam’s gold jewellery, nearly £5,000 in cash, had raided the children’s piggy banks and taken a laptop and iPad.

The contents of the rooms had been strewn across the house — a sofa had been cut in half and the bed in the master room broken. The raiders had even removed the fireplace, kitchen extractor fan and bath panel - but surprisingly had left behind an iPhone and the television.

Sheikh (39), who owns an off licence in Failsworth, said: “It’s really shocking. It’s very disappointing. I’m angry.”

Maryam (30) added: “Even the kids are distressed. Normally when we come home, Maham wants to get down and play around the house. Since we stepped in the house I’ve been carrying her and she has been scared.”

Greater Manchester Police confirmed they are investigating the burglary, which occurred between June 2 and 9. The raiders are believed to have got in through the back door.

Anyone with information should call the non emergency 101 number.

twitter: @IramRamzanOC