War veteran has medals stolen from his home on D-Day

A war veteran had a number of items, including war medals, taken from his home in Tenterden, on the day the world commemorated the 70th anniversary of D-Day.

Robert and Anabel Atkins were asleep upstairs in their home, having spent the day watching the D-Day celebrations, when they were woken by a noise downstairs.

They found thieves had forced open a locked window in their living room.

Medals, which dated back to 1827 and belonged to Mr Atkins father and grandfather had been taken, along with £20,000 worth of Mrs Atkins jewellery.

More than 200 pieces of silver cutlery with the family crest on, as well as a Gurkha knife, which was presented to Mr Atkins when he was in the 6th Gurkha Regiment between 1950 and 1957, were also taken.

The couples daughter, Vicky Greenly said, "I just can't believe that there are such heartless people out there.

"It's not about the monetary value, these medals meant the absolute world to my father. Thankfully, the Military Cross presented to my father in the 50s was not taken."

Detective Sergeant David Cox from Kent Police said, "The people who committed this despicable crime are cowardly and clearly lack any respect for their community."

Anyone with information is asked to contact Kent Police on 01303 289293.