A disabled RAF veteran had medals and his beret stolen after he was targeted by an opportunist thief as he slept in his home.

Michael Salter, whose mobility issues mean he has to stay indoors most of the time, had taken the medals and his beret, featuring a brass Queen's Badge, out to clean on Sunday afternoon.

The 76-year-old former RAF armourer, of Huggens College, Northfleet, went for a nap due to the effects of his medication and when he woke up later in the day could not find the items, which had been left on a table.

One of those stolen was a replica Bomber Command medal belonging to his late uncle Henry, known as Harry Webster, who was shot down and killed as he flew home in a Lancaster Bomber in 1942 aged just 23.

The other medal was awarded to Mr Salter for his service from 1964 to 1965 during the aftermath of the Malayan Emergency.

The Emergency was a war which lasted from 1948 to 1960 and saw the Commonwealth forces pitted against those of communist leader Chin Peng.

Malaya remained unstable after the allied victory and conflict broke out again between 1967 and 1989, after which point Peng fled to neighbouring Thailand.

Mr Salter, who lives with his wife Margaret, said: "The door was left open as we always did as we live in a community with a warden and where everyone looks out for each other.

"The police came on Monday and didn't take any fingerprints as they think whoever took them just saw them, walked in and swiped them.

"I'm more angry than anything. I don't know why anyone would bother. They're not of any value to anyone but me. Why anyone would take a beret is beyond me."

The father-of-three, who served from 1960 to 1965, said both his father and wife were also in the RAF.

He added: "They were taken between 2pm and 7pm. I didn't call the police until the following morning when I had looked everywhere. I was furious by that point.

"It's had a massive impact on us. Knowing we were safe was a massive part of our daily lives. Margaret is really worried."

Son Steve described the offender as 'thieving scum', adding: "These things are irreplaceable and hold massive sentimental value to my family."

Chaplain of Huggens College, Ted Goodyer, is hoping there may be an innocent explanation behind the items' disappearance.

He said: "We are hoping that they will surface and that they have been put aside in some way."

Police are investigating the theft. Anyone with information should call 101.