But the fire had already ripped through the vessel destroying everything the thieves had left behind.

The couple, who did not want to be named because they “couldn’t bare the sympathy”, were out for the afternoon – one of the first times the woman had left her home of three years since recovering from breast cancer.

She said: “We’re one of the only people that actually live here and act like unofficial security which is a joke now. The rest of the boats are moored and the owners live nearby.

“This was actually our home and we’ve now got nowhere to go. That’s something we have to sort out today.”

Scenes of crime officers from Staffordshire Police were investigating at the scene this morning.

The heartbroken homeowners said thieves had broken in to the boat and used the on-board dingy to get away with their spoils after setting fire the boat.

She said: “They are the scum of the earth. I just thank God that I took my dog out with me. He’s only small and heaven knows what would have happened to him.”

Firefighters were called by a boater working on his own craft some way down the canal who spotted the smoke from the vessel.

Sergeant David Cartwright, from Staffordshire Police, said: “Fire investigation teams and scenes of crime officers are now involved in a joint investigation to try to establish the cause of the fire.”

Anyone with information about the incident is urged to contact Staffordshire Police on 08453 302010 and ask to speak to officers at Watling CID.

By Daniel Pountney