'Despicable' theft of war medals

A "despicable" thief has stolen medals from a disabled woman in Bedfordshire.

The pensioner came across the intruder in the hall of her home in High Street, Harrold, at 2145 BST on Thursday as he was searching the property.

The burglar escaped with money and a medals collection dating from World War I and II awarded which belonged to her husband and father-in-law.

Bedfordshire Police searched the area with dogs and the force helicopter but could not find the man.

Pc Tim Ogborne said: "This is a despicable incident where a vulnerable member of the community has been targeted.

"The war medals are of great sentimental value and it is possible the offender may try to sell them to a collector of war memorabilia or a specialist antiques dealer."