An engagement ring belonging to a nurse who cared for victims of the blitz in World War II was stolen in a burglary in Richmond.

A home in Pagoda Avenue was targeted by burglars on Monday, November 10, with a number of sentimental pieces of jewellery stolen, including rings and watches.

The victim said one stolen ring was her late mother's engagement ring which she wore around her neck under her nurse's uniform during the Second World War.

The ring has a single stone diamond of 1.5 carat mounted in a platinum eight claw setting, with two 0.5 carat baguette diamonds on each shoulder and a platinum band.

The ring weights 3g and is medium in size.

The victim, who has not been named, said: "My mother was a most loving and gentle person and she and my father were devoted to each other.

"In the last two years of my father's life she cared for him at home under heart breaking circumstances as he was suffering from a brain tumour and did not know who she was.

"My mother died last year aged 95. Her engagement ring is very special and I urge anyone who may have any information about it to contact the police.

"Even though the burglars took many other items, if only one item could be restored to me, it would be my late mother's ring."

Other stolen items include a single stone diamond ring with a gold band, which was left to the victim by her grandmother, a nine carat yellow oval Omega watch with a lattice effect bracelet given to the victim by her late father and a small rectangular face white gold Mappin and Webb watch with a diamond clasp, left to the victim by her godmother.

Detective constable Gary Smith, from Richmond CID, said: "Burglars fail to realise that when they commit a burglary they don't only steal people's possessions but also they take along with them memories which are priceless and cannot be replaced.

"The victim of this burglary has been left devastated by this incident.

"If anyone reading this knows who committed this offence or has any information, please contact me so we can restore this precious item to her."

Anyone with any information should call Det Con Smith on 020 8721 5932 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.