A heartbroken pensioner has told of her sadness after burglars broke into her home and stole £70,000 worth of sentimental jewellery.

Former nurse Joan Warr, 80, was out flower arranging when the thieves forced the back door of her house in Hampton, Herne Bay last Thursday evening.

The grandmother-of-one, who has been left afraid to leave home after the incident, had more than 100 items of jewellery taken, including a £9,000 watch.

“Some of the pieces are not worth a great deal of money, but they mean a lot to us,” Mrs Warr said.

“The thieves have been through every drawer in my house, it is horrible.

“This is a quiet neighbourhood and you would not expect it to happen.”

Joan’s daughter Diana Wright is staying with her mum while the house she bought next door is being built.

The majority of pieces stolen belong to Mrs Wright, who had kept them locked away in a safe.

A large quantity of cash was also taken in the raid, as well as birth certificates and passports.

“My mum does not go out much because she is 80, but they broke in the back door and went through everything,” Mrs Wright, 46, said.

“I think they went out of the house with a blanket covering the safe.

“If you are that desperate, take the money, but the jewellery meant the world to us and it is unbelievable that it has been taken.

The burglary happened between 6.45pm and 9.45pm.

Anyone with information should call police on 01843 222 289, quoting reference ZY/044395/16.