THIEVES have taken Christmas presents destined for loved ones from a Hampshire home.

They forced their way in to the property, in Jellicoe Avenue, Gosport, and took a number of wrapped items along with the elderly victim's handbag.

Gifts were a red knitted scarf with gold butterflies, a green knitted scarf with butterfly patterns and boxes of sweets.

PC Barry Martin of Fareham and Gosport Priority Crime Team said: “This was a heartless crime against an elderly, vulnerable victim, who has now had all the Christmas presents she brought for loved ones stolen.”

Any witnesses or anyone who saw anyone acting suspiciously in the area on the day or days leading up to the incident, which happened between 11.30pm on Saturday and 11am on Sunday , is asked to call Fareham Police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Police advised residents to use timers on lights to help keep your property looking occupied and not to leave Christmas presents on show under trees as Christmas approaches.