Elderly couple were burgled as wife was being admitted to hospital after suffering a stroke

She had been admitted that day after suffering a stroke.

North Yorkshire Police are appealing for witnesses and information about the burglary, which happened between 3pm and 10pm on Tuesday February 4.

The suspects used a garden implement to gain entry through a rear window. They stole a £20,000 Rolex watch and a gold chain.

Man ready to set off for work assaulted in ScarboroughIt happened near to Vernon House, in the Vernon Close area of Bishopthorpe, near York.

Investigating Officer David Pegg from North Yorkshire Police said: “This is a particularly horrific crime committed against an elderly couple, not least because the husband came home after visiting his wife in hospital, to discover they had been burgled.

"He was understandably distressed at the discovery, especially as his wife had only just been admitted to hospital earlier that day after having a stroke whilst he was in the middle of recovering from a heart attack himself.

“It’s our absolute priority to catch those responsible and we’re appealing to anyone with any information that could help our investigation to get in touch. In particular, we’d like to hear from anyone who noticed anything suspicious or has any CCTV or dash-cam footage taken in the area at the time to contact us.”

Anyone with information should contact North Yorkshire Police on 101, select option 2, and ask for David Pegg You can also email [email protected]

If you wish to remain anonymous, you can pass information to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Quote the North Yorkshire Police reference number 12200020324.