Masked thugs smashed their way into 94-year-old woman's home and robbed her father's First World War medals hours before Remembrance Sunday
- Woman, 94, threatened by burglars who stole father's First World Ward medals
- The masked men smashed the pensioner's glass door in Oldbury, West Midlands
- They made threats of violence and also forced her to hand over her wedding ring
- West Midlands Police labelled it a 'despicable crime' as they appeal for witnesses
Three 'despicable' thugs threatened a 94-year-old woman inside her home before stealing her father's First World War medals just hours before Remembrance Sunday.
The woman, daughter of decorated soldier Thomas Morris, was targeted by the trio who smashed through her glass back door on Saturday night.
The masked men made threats of violence to the pensioner at her home in Oldbury, West Midlands, before ordering her to open her safe.
After grabbing cash and jewellery, as well as the precious medals awarded to her heroic father, the gang made their escape.
Thomas Morris was awarded three bravery medals for his service in the Great War, including a Victory Medal engraved with 'TA MORRIS' on the back and attached to a rainbow ribbon.
The victim's father, First World War hero Thomas Morris was awarded three bravery medals for his service in the Great War, including a Victory Medal engraved with 'TA MORRIS' on the back
A WW1 Victory medal (similar to this one) engraved with 'TA Morris' was stolen from the 94-year-old woman's home in Oldbury, West Midlands, on Saturday
All three medals were taken by the thieves, who are described as white men in their late teens or early 20s, wearing dark blue clothing.
A Queen Victoria 'Goblet Florin' which is a two shilling piece minted in 1800 and a five shilling piece made into a brooch were also stolen.
The woman was also forced to hand over her gold wedding band and engagement ring, plus a zirconia eternity ring and another gold ring.
The war hero's daughter was unharmed but was left 'very shaken' by the ordeal.
West Midlands Police said officers have been conducting local enquiries, seized CCTV and forensically examined the home for clues.
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Detective Sergeant Matt Nightingale said: 'This is a despicable crime against an elderly woman. She was threatened with serious violence which is shocking and totally unnecessary.
'Her father risked his life for our freedoms and, ironically, those of the criminals who've now targeted his daughter's home.
'Some people will know or suspect who is responsible for this offence. I would ask them to do the right thing and get in touch.
'This could have been your grandmother's home that's been broken into.
'They do not deserve any protection so please call us. You can call the charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111. You won't be asked your name and calls can't be traced.'
Detective Sergeant Ian Comfort added: 'If you're offered these medals or have any information I would urge you to get in touch.
'The woman is understandably heartbroken that her father's war medals have been taken from her and is desperate to be reunited with them.'
Anyone with information is urged to call West Midlands Police on 101 or message the forcd on their Live Chat page, quoting crime reference 20/1478678/21.
