A Carlisle bar boss has told how he and his girlfriend woke in the night to find their home being burgled.

Police are now investigating the early morning raid on the Portland Square home of Sam Norman and his partner Kylie Hodgson, both 29, who are now picking up the pieces after losing cash, keys and personal items.

Sam, who owns the Shabby Scholar and Dutch Uncle bar restaurants in Carlyle Court, says the burglary has caused them major disruption.

As the couple slept early on Monday morning, the burglars clambered into their home through a ground floor window.

Detectives believe they fled after Sam woke and got out of bed to investigate, disturbing them.

They escaped with a large stash of goods, including Sam’s wallet, and his keys – including those for the flat and his BMW car.

As a result, he has had to have his locks changed and has moved his car to a secure location.

Among the most distinctive items stolen were his gold Michael Kors watch – which was a birthday present – and a pair of his top-of-the-range Nike trainers, distinctive because they were pink.

“We were fast asleep when it happened,” said Sam.

“We’d gone to bed at about 11pm, and we’d left the window ajar to let in fresh air. I don’t know why but I woke at 3.30am and stumbled into the living room.

“That’s when I realised something was wrong. I think I disturbed them because they seem to have left in a hurry.

“They’d dropped a few items on the floor as they left. It’s left me more annoyed than anything, but Kylie was quite upset.

“She was in tears, and feeling nervous. The police have been really helpful but it’s caused a lot of disruption.

“I’m probably going to have to take the car back to BMW to replace the lock and alarms. They tried to get the BMW started to take that but fortunately they weren’t able to. They also tried to take my Playstation.”

Sam was particularly annoyed by the loss of his pink trainers, which he bought because they were on offer, as he hopes to compete in the Cumbrian Run in October.

He added: “It’s just sad that in this day and age we have people who will do this kind of thing. It’s just not acceptable to go into somebody’s home and disrupt their life so much.”

Also stolen were: an amount of cash, a bottle of speciality Brugal rum; Sam’s brown Ted Baker wallet, (a present from his mother); a pair of GHD hair straighteners belonging to Kylie, and her blue River Island purse, which was a present from Sam.

A spokesman for Cumbria Police appealed to anybody who can help the investigation to contact the force.

If you can help, or if you have been offered any of the items that were stolen, call 101, or alternatively call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.