Fire-ravaged home burgled, leaving families with nothing

Burglers took the only salvageable items from the Christchurch house, which was completely destroyed by a fire on Monday night. Photo / Supplied

Two families have experienced a Christmas tragedy, losing everything they own when their home was burgled just one day after it was gutted by a fire.

Burglars snuck into the destroyed two-story house on Westminster St in Mairehau, Christchurch, today and stole the only salvageable items including a TV, a cabinet and food.

Neighbour Jo Scott said the residents, two mothers and their two daughters, have been living in emergency accommodation and returned to the house for food when they discovered they had been robbed.

"They were gutted and really upset. They were kicked while they were down."

Scott said neither of the families was insured.

"These weren't people who had a lot of money to begin with.

"They lost everything. They've got a long road to recovery."

The families had lived at the property for just under a year before Monday's fire, which left a big hole in the side of the house and roof.

Three fire appliances battled the blaze on Monday evening as smoke filled the street.

All four residents were at the property when the fire started, Scott said.

Scott is now calling for the public's help to raise money and get the families through Christmas.

"Let's get in behind them and show a little kindness this Christmas," said Scott who has raised $2500 for her neighbours since yesterday.

"I have no doubt they will put it to great use."

The money raised so far will be given to the women tomorrow so they can do some Christmas shopping.

Donations can be made to bank account number 38-9009-0420715-02 until after Christmas.