Detectives want to find stolen four gold cross pendants made from the wedding rings worn by the victim’s late parents.

The break-in happened at a home in Inglis Road at around 2am on September 12.

Three iPads, cash, euros and a Volkswagen Golf parked outside were also stolen.

The car was later found abandoned in the Mersea Road area of Colchester but detectives are keen to trace the cross pendants.

Pc Wendy Crowson, from Colchester CID, said: “The pendants have huge sentimental value because they are made from the wedding rings once worn by the victim’s parents who have now passed away.

“I’m keen to speak to anyone who may have seen the pendants or been offered them for sale.

“I’d also like to speak to shop keepers or bank workers who may have recently exchanged a large number of £2 coins for notes or a three-figure sum of euros for sterling.”

One Colchester man, aged 21, has been charged in connection with the burglary as well as theft from a shop, taking a vehicle without consent and possession of a class B drug. He appeared at Colchester Magistrates’ Court last month, and was remanded in custody to appear at Ipswich Crown Court.

Another Colchester man, 22, has been arrested on suspicion of handling stolen goods and bailed until October 28, while a 16-year-old has been arrested for the same offence and for burglary and bailed until October 29 while enquiries continue.