Burglars broke into a Kirby pensioner's home and stole his savings and jewellery which belonged to his late wife.

They entered the house in Quay Lane, Kirby, through the back door and ransacked the 79-year-old's bedroom.

The man returned from a morning out on Monday to find the back door jammed where it had been tampered with.

Det Con John Shipley, of Clacton police, said the full details of what had been taken was not yet established, but the pensioner had lost his savings of more than £1,000 and jewellery which had been his late wife's.

The burglary occurred between 9am and 12.45pm, which Det Con Shipley said was an unusual time of day for a break-in.

The latest burglary follows on from one in Pork Lane, Great Holland, and another in Kirby Road, Walton. Det Sgt Barry Blackman, of Clacton police, said the crimes were not being linked.

Det Con Shipley said: "The man lives alone and when I spoke to him he was upset and shocked.

"This was an opportunist theft. The house was secure and this just serves as a warning to people to be vigilant and cautious."

He appealed to anyone who saw suspicious activity in the area on Monday to ring him on 01255 221312 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111

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