A DISTINCTIVE gold sovereign dated 1894 was among valuables stolen in a house break-in at Forest Hills Drive, Townhill Park.

Police said the sovereign, valued at £400, had a picture of Queen Victoria on the reverse and was mounted on a gold chain.

Also stolen in the burglary on Monday was a man's 18ct gold band ring, about 80 years old.

Altogether, jewellery valued at £1,600 was taken, including gold rings, bracelets and chains.

A Bitterne police spokesman said the intruders climbed on to a flat roof and used a tool to force open a double-glazed window.

They searched the entire property before helping themselves to the jewellery, which, police say, is of great sentimental value.