TWO men were last night being held by detectives investigating a series of burglaries at homes in the New Forest.

Among the victims of the break-ins was a vulnerable man in his late 80s who suffers from dementia, while the home of a seriously ill elderly woman, who was in hospital, was also targeted. Others included people who were away on holiday at the time.

In total 11 homes were burgled in Pennington and Lymington between September and January. Stolen goods ranged from small but valuable items such as Ipods, to wide-screen televisions. Sentimental pieces of jewellery and other personal belongings have also been taken.

The pair being held in police custody are aged 54 and 44 and are both from Pennington.

Detective sergeant Matt Taylor said: “In each of these burglaries, which we believe are linked, valuable items have been stolen as well as other things such as jewellery which may not have much monetary value but are hugely sentimental to their owners.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Op Tuba team at Lyndhurst CID on 101.