Police are appealing for information after precious family heirlooms were stolen from an elderly woman's home while she was at hospital.

It is reported that a number of items of jewellery passed down through generations and about £200 in cash were stolen from a property in The Chase, Chatham, between 11.20am and 3.25pm on Wednesday, December 3.

The items of sentimental value to the victim, an 82-year-old woman, include a 140-year-old gold hunter pocket watch with gold chain fob. It has a white face with Roman numerals, and both hands were broken off. A 100-year-old gold wedding ring was also stolen.

DC Daniel Bister, investigating officer at Kent Police, said: "An opportunist criminal is thought to have targeted the home while the victim was out, attending a hospital appointment. They have rummaged through the victim’s belongings, trying to find items they might be able to sell.

"In the process it is thought they have taken a pocket watch and wedding ring, which both have huge sentimental value to the victim and their family.

‘We hope to recover the items and have launched an investigation into this invasive crime. I would urge anyone who is suspicious of someone selling a pocket watch or wedding ring that match the description of the items stolen to contact police."

Witnesses to the incident or anyone with information about the stolen items is asked to contact DC Daniel Bister at Kent Police by calling 01634 792685 and quoting crime reference XY/042742/14.