A widow has been left devastated after her engagement ring was stolen and her house ransacked on the anniversary of her husband's death.

Burglars broke in and stole the ring, alongside other sentimental and valuable items while Diana Brown, 61, of Rogers Road, Tooting, was planting comemmorative flowers at her husband's allotment.

 

The last pair of earrings her late husband bought for her were also taken, alongside his camcorder, gold jewellery and her daughter's jewellery.

Mrs Brown alongside her children Stephen Brown, 33, and Claire Brown, 30, are appealing to the public to help trace the engagement ring.

She is also contacting pawn shops in the area in case the thieves traded the jewellery for cash.

The family were mourning the fourth anniversary of the death of Norman Brown, who died aged 59 of bowel cancer.

Mr Brown kept an allotment, in Havelock Road, Wimbledon, which provided comfort for him in the months leading up to his death and the family have continued its upkeep.

At 9.30am on Saturday Mrs Brown was planting the marigolds, leaving the ring on a shelf next to her husband's urn in case it would get damaged.

When they returned at 3.30pm they discovered the house had been broken into, while Mrs Brown's jewellery box was discarded on the floor and the ring no longer there.

 

She said: "I was just basically devastated, you feel stupid, why didn't I take it with me?

"I have found it very difficult these last four years, and his ashes are still in my bedroom.

"He was a very caring man, a terrific sense of humour carried him through, he never moaned.

"We had a very strong marriage and we were very happy, when he died we were devastated."

The gold ring has a large sapphire flanked by two diamonds, and Mrs Brown is hopeful its unique appearance may lead to its discovery.

A spokesman for the police said: "We were called to reports of a burglary at Rogers Road, SW17, on Saturday July 13.

"It is believed it took place between 11.30am and 2.20pm.

"A number of items were stolen. Officers from Wandsworth Police are investigating, no arrests have been made."

Anyone with information on the theft can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or Wandsworth Police non-emergency number 101.