A COUPLE have revealed the heartbreaking details of a burglary at their home in a desperate bid to shed new light on the crime.

Nearly 30 pieces of gold jewellery, worth thousands of pounds, were taken from Michael and Lorraine O’Brien’s bungalow in Spennymoor , County Durham, while they enjoyed a rare night out.

The break-in has made a difficult time for the couple even worse because Mr O’Brien has just completed 30 doses of chemotherapy and radiotherapy for cancer.

Many of the stolen items were of huge sentimental value to Mrs O’Brien, including engagement and wedding rings from her first fiance and two late husbands, who all died young.

The couple, both 62, returned from a restaurant in Durham on Wednesday, July 18, to discover their home in King William Court had been ransacked.

The intruder had rifled through every drawer and cupboard and strewn personal belongings across the floor.

Mr O’Brien, who was diagnosed with tongue cancer last May, said: “I’d lost seven-anda- half stone and was just starting to put a few pounds back on and feel a bit stronger when this happened.

“I’ve lost a stone since – it really has knocked me back.

“It was such an invasion of our home – it makes me feel filthy, dirty. We cannot sleep and some of our neighbours are frightened now.”

To try to ease the anguish of what happened, the couple have had the bungalow redecorated and replaced clothing the intruder rummaged through. They have also spent more than £3,000 on home security.

Mrs O’Brien said: “It was a very personal attack and heartbreaking.

“What was stolen was irreplaceable.

I was engaged at 17, but he drowned saving a child, my first husband died at 27 of bowel cancer and my second at 42 with lung cancer.

“Jewellery from them and lovely stuff that Michael has bought me over 20 years together has gone.”

Police are renewing an appeal for information about the burglary, which happened between 4.40pm and 10.30pm on July 18, and want to hear from anyone approached by someone selling items that could be stolen.

Detective Sergeant Warren Hawes , of Spennymoor CID, said: “I hope learning about the details encourages someone to get in touch. The burglary was very distressing for this vulnerable couple.”

Among the haul were a locket with a turquoise stone, two diamond and sapphire rings, an opal and ruby ring, an enamelled Tiffany charm bracelet and diamond hoop and flower-shaped ear-rings.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Durham Police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800-555-111.