Thieves have broken into the home of an 82-year-old woman in Clacton stealing a number of ‘utterly irreplaceable’ items of jewellery.

The burglars smashed the back door of the house in London Road between Monday, November 13, and Friday, November 17, while the owner was away.

During the raid they took a large quantity of jewellery including necklaces, rings, brooches and bracelets.

Investigating officer Detective Constable Hollie Hughes said: “She has been left shocked and upset, particularly as much of the jewellery taken holds great sentimental value for her.

“The burglars took a silver heart-shaped locket, which contained a photograph of her late husband and a lock of his hair. The locket has a plain design, is around an inch in size but is utterly irreplaceable.

“They also took a gold crucifix necklace that had been given to her by her father when she was ten years old, and a gold square faced watch that she was given by her mother-in-law for her 21st birthday.

“I am appealing for witnesses who saw anyone acting suspiciously in the area between Monday, November 13, and Friday, November 17.

“I also urge anyone who has been offered jewellery for sale recently matching the descriptions of those stolen to please get in touch.”

Contact Dc Hughes at Clacton CID on 101 quoting reference 42/163192/17 or report online at www.essex.police.uk/do-it-online

Alternatively, contact independent crime-fighting charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.