Heartless thieves broke into a war veteran's home and stole eight of his precious medals before dumping half of them in Cliftonville.

A passer-by found some of 92-year-old Alfred Austin's medal collection while walking his dog near Fifth Avenue and handed the stolen property into police.

The medals (pictured left) are now to be returned to Mr Austin, although four remain missing.

"They mean a great deal to me," said the pensioner. "I was in the war for six-and-a-half years and there are so many memories attached to them.

"I'm so pleased to have the medals back and I'd like to thank the person who found them and handed them in. It's restored my faith in human nature."

The medals, which were mounted in two glass-fronted display cases and included the 1939-45 Star, the Africa Star and Bar, the Defence Medal and the 1939-49 War Medal, were stolen during a burglary in Princess Margaret Avenue.

The break-in happened between 11.15pm last Tuesday and 8.30am the following day.

Detectives believe it may be linked to a second burglary in the Palm Bay area on Tuesday night.

DS Keith Taylor of Kent Police said: "We'd like to hear from anyone who has information about either burglary.

"We're also keen to hear from members of the public who may have seen the medals being left on the grassy area behind Fifth Avenue some time between Tuesday night and Thursday morning, when they were found by a man out walking his dog.

"As part of our investigation, we'll be looking at CCTV and examining forensic evidence.

"Someone may have been offered the medals for sale before they were dumped. If so, we'd like to hear from them."

Anyone with information is asked to contact Kent Police on 101, quoting crime reference number ZY/6405/12. Alternatively, call Kent Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.