THIEVES stole a diamond-encrusted £6,500 Rolex watch as part of their haul in a £24,000 house burglary, police said yesterday.

The raid in Darlington took place while people were in the grip of football fever as England played Turkey in the Euro 2004 qualifying match on Saturday.

The intruders removed a burglar alarm in what detectives said was a determined effort to gain access, before making off with the jewellery and money.

The owner of the property in Linacre Way, a businessman who did not want to be identified, was away from the home.

The burglars stole an estimated £20,000-worth of jewellery, including the limited edition watch, as well as gold chains, bracelets, rings and £4,000 in cash.

Sergeant Ian Sturrock, of Darlington police, said: "The stolen jewellery was of great sentimental value to its owner and comprised items accumulated over a number of years, many of them from overseas."

The man's Rolex watch has a white face, embossed with the Rolex logo, with Roman numerals and is encrusted with diamonds.

The theft is thought to have taken place between 2pm and 9.30pm.

"Around that time, people would have been watching the England match" Sgt Sturrock said. "Everybody was either gearing up for it or watching it."

Anyone with information is asked to call Sgt Sturrock on (01325) 467681.