An appeal to help a Bean family whose house was broken into a set alight raised almost £23,000.

Police officer Mark, his partner Caroline and their two-year-old daughter lost everything when they were burgled on March 19 whilst away visiting family.

Their house insurance had expired just 19 hours before, leaving them unable to make a claim.

Family friend Craig Mullett, who created the GoFundMe page, wrote: "This sick act of vandalism has left them devastated and homeless."

Over a thousand donors raised the money in just ten days, with some offering to donate TVs, sofas and children’s toys, smashing the original target of £1000.

A statement from Mark on the site read: "We have been truly humbled by all the donations, messages of love and offers of support we have received.

"Words cannot express how grateful we are and the response to our crisis has restored our faith in humanity.

"Thank you all from the bottom of our hearts."

The family are closing down the fundraising page, and will donate any money not used for repairs to air ambulance and Care of Police Survivors charities.