A 101-year-old woman’s late husband’s WWII war medals and uniform have been stolen in a "callous invasion" in Gloucestershire.

Victim Betty Rout was woken late on the night of Friday, June 28, by two men who had gained entry to her home near Cheltenham.

From her bedroom Betty witnessed two men walking from the kitchen and out of the front door carrying her belongings.

The offenders stole a safe containing six medals and uniform patches awarded to Betty’s late husband, Stephen Rout, during the Second World War. 

A number of handbags, purses and documents were also taken.

Stephen served in the Royal Army Service Corps prior to WWII rising to the rank of Sergeant Major and continued in service throughout the war until he was demobilised in 1947.

He was subsequently awarded medals for his service in Palestine, Africa and Italy and was also mentioned in dispatches for distinguished service in July 1945.

Betty’s son, Robin Rout, is saddened by the incident and hopes it won't affect his inspirational mother.

He described the incident as “a callous invasion of her privacy."

He said: "Even though my mother is now 101, she is determined to stay in her own home and remain as independent as she can.

“Through the support of family, wonderful carers, and local authorities she has been able to do so up until now.

“It would be a tragedy if such a callous invasion of her privacy, and the theft of memories that can never be replaced did anything to compromise her ambition.”

Police are appealing for anyone with information about the burglary or the whereabouts of the medals to come forward.

You can contact police quoting incident 151 of June 29 here - tinyurl.com/mwuw69np