Police are investigating a spate of burglaries in a Hampshire village.

Thieves have targeted three homes in Bransgore, including a Burley Road property occupied by a pensioner who was out celebrating her 80th birthday.

The intruders fled empty-handed after a burglar alarm went off.

But coins, watches and Second World War medals were among the items taken from a house in West Road while the 90-year-old occupant was out celebrating his birthday.

In the third incident jewellery worth £750, including a Gucci watch, a three-strand bracelet and cuff links, were taken from another house in the same street.

All the break-ins have occurred since May 11.

A police spokesman said: “Three burglaries in the same area in the space of a week-and-a-half are very unusual in that neighbourhood.”