Thieves broke into the home of a 98-year-old war hero and stole his medals while he slept.

Police are now appealing for witnesses after the man reported the medals stolen from his home in Chichester.

The medals included an African Star, Italy Star, two Second World War medals and a Battle of Britain medal.

Officers say they were taken from a house in Whyke Road between 8.30pm on Sunday and 8.30am on Monday this week.

Investigating officer PC Rogers said: “This was a cowardly theft from an elderly victim where the items were stolen while the victim, a 98-year-old man, slept.

“We are appealing for the public to keep an eye on any online buy and sell pages for any of these medals. If you see any of them for sale please contact us immediately.

“Also, we would like to speak to anyone who witnessed any suspicious behaviour in the area.”

Call 101 and quote reference 238 of 18/06.