A widow has been left devastated after precious war medals won by her brave late husband during the Second World War were stolen.

Burglars struck at her home in Hayes in February, taking six priceless medals and a quantity of cash.

Police say the 90-year-old widow is “devastated” and appealed for help in getting the medals back to her.

The burglary took place sometime between February 8 and 15. Some of the six naval medals stolen were engraved with W ELLIS 598200 on their edge.

Detective Constable Lisa Coker, from Hillingdon CID, said: “The victim is understandably very distraught that her husband’s medals have been taken as they mean so much to her. These medals are a reminder of the sacrifice her husband made during the war and the brave man that he was.

“I urge anyone with information, or if you have been offered these medals to buy, to contact me.”

Anyone with information or who has been offered the medals to purchase can call DC Coker on 020 8246 1541 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Last year, medals belonging to the family of a First World War veteran were stolen in Hounslow.