A war hero has spoken of his grief after a conman stole his medals.

Edward Cramp, 74, served during The Suez crisis of 1956.

But the medals he won for his bravery have been stolen by a man who befriended him.

Mr Cramp said: "I'm absolutely gutted. They had real sentimental value.

"This guy seemed pretty decent but he robbed me blind."

The man knocked on the pensioner's door, in Broomgrove Road, Hastings, and managed to get inside his home.

Mr Cramp said: "My house is up for sale so he knocked on the door and said 'my mate's just buying a place and he's after some new furniture, have you got any for sale?' "Once inside he had a good look around. But I didn't realise what he was up to."

Mr Cramp invited him in after he said he may have chairs available for sale.

But after he had left Mr Cramp realised that his medals were missing.

The thief also took a painting, an old brass diving knife and various old coins stored in a box.

PC Chris Varrell, from Sussex Police, said: "We've been down to all the coin and medal collection shops and put the word out that these medals could turn up and warned them to be on their guard.

"They could turn up pretty much anywhere to be honest and we really want people to keep an eye out for them.

"I don't think they are of incredible value but they have real sentimental value to Mr Cramp.

"He's obviously desperate to get them back."

Mr Cramp served in the British Army's Royal Corps of Transport Association (RASC) between 1951 and 1956 as an ambulance driver.

He would regularly transport soldiers injured in the Suez conflict, which was sparked by Egypt's nationalisation of the Suez Canal.

Mr Cramp's distinguished career saw him win various honours, including the Churchill Medal and General Service Medal.

He added: "I had a good career with the Army and the medals are important to me.

"They are very personal property and hold memories."

One of the medals taken had an image of King Tut printed on the front, while the other had the image of the Queen on it. A third had Winston Churchill's image on it.

Vulnerable residents in the area are being urged to be on their guard against similar cons.

Anyone with information about the theft is asked to call Sussex Police on 0845 6070999.

For more information about crime in your area visit the local information section of this website.