A WAR medal, gold jewellery worth £4,000, family heirlooms and football trophies were stolen during a house raid.

The thief forced open a window and searched the house in Fence, taking a war medal awarded to a family member by the French Government to allied troops who fought at the Normandy Landings.

The burglar took the items from a house in Laund Gate while the residents were away on holiday.

Police said only gold jewellery was taken – pieces which were made of silver and other metals were left.

Sgt Shaun Pearson, of Pendle Police, said: “We all know the price of gold has sky-rocketed, which is why the gold jewellery will have been targeted.

“With this type of acquisitive crime, it’s not only the monetary value that the aggrieved party loses.

“It is the sentimental value and the family history, especially for items which have been passed down through the generations.

“With brooches and antique items that aren’t often worn these days, it’s almost obvious it’s going to mean something to the owner, because it’s been given to them by their family members.

“We are taking this theft very seriously.

“The police football medals and the war medal are very distinctive.

“We would ask anyone who knows of anything suspicious to contact the police.”

The incident happened at some time between September 14 and Thursday.

Anyone with any information should contact police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.