WAR medals have been stolen from a man in his 80s during a burglary in Cronton yesterday, Thursday.

Three men are believed to have forced entry to the house, on Alder Lane, through a side window and rear door at around 8pm.

They carried out an untidy search in a number of rooms at the property and it was later discovered that two war medals, a gold Omega De Ville watch, a silver Seiko watch and car keys had been stolen.

The Omega watch is described as having an oval dial, champagne baton with integral gold satin bracelet.

The scene has been forensically examined, house to house enquiries have been carried out and CCTV opportunities are being explored.

Detective inspector Matt Kerr said: "The victim, a man in his 80s, has had a number of irreplaceable items take. The two medals – which were his uncle’s - are of huge sentimental value.

"I ask members of the public to be on the lookout in case they are offered such items either discarded or for sale, on the street, in a pawnbrokers or online.

"Our investigations will continue until we catch those responsible and I would urge anyone who has any information that can help us to reunite the victim with their property to contact the police.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Merseyside Police social media desk via Twitter @MerPolCC or Facebook Merseyside Police Contact Centre.

You can also call 101 quoting incident reference 19100051210 or contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously, on 0800 555 111 or via their online form at www.crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information/give-information.