Two large diamonds and a brooch worth thousands of pounds have been stolen by thieves who got into a village home while the owner was away.

Kent Police is investigating the theft from the house in Stelling Minnisnear Canterbury, where the jewels and a safe were reported stolen.

The elderly resident had been away from her property for around two weeks but returned home on March 5 and discovered the theft.

Among the items reported stolen was a distinctive brooch in the shape of a dragonfly and two large loose diamonds, which Kent Police has released photographs of in an effort to trace.

Det Con Vanessa Law from the reactive crime team at Canterbury police station said: "These two diamonds are quite specialist and the thieves may attempt to sell them through brokers or auction houses.

"If someone is offered them for sale and the offenders are nearby, they should dial 999 immediately.

"Anyone with non-emergency information about the incident in Stelling Minnis or who knows where the stolen diamonds are can contact me on 01227 868166, quoting crime number YZ/7157/15."

It is not clear how the thieves were able to get into the house, but Kent Police is reminding residents to make sure their homes are kept secure.

DC Law said: "A lot of burglaries and thefts take place on the spur of the moment when an opportunist sees an easy way in. But homeowners can take simple steps to avoid this.

"These two diamonds are quite specialist and the thieves may attempt to sell them through brokers or auction houses" - DC Vanessa Law

"Lock windows and doors before you go out or to bed. If someone you trust needs access to your property in your absence, give them an unlabelled key. Kent Police advises against leaving a spare key under doormats or plant pots.

"Homeowners can also fit security measures such as intruder alarms, door chains and good quality locks."