A widow has been left devastated after thieves broke into her house and stole a rare Queen’s honour medal belonging to her late husband.

The suspects gained entry to the woman’s home in the Liberton area of Edinburgh sometime between 10am on Saturday, August 21 and 8pm on Monday, August 23.

They then made off with an MBE which had been presented to the elderly woman’s husband in 1953 for services in Africa with the Colonial Medical Service.

The medal is inscribed with the man’s name and is said to be of great sentimental value.

No other items were stolen in the robbery.

A police spokesman said: "This has been a callous and cold-hearted theft from the home of an elderly woman who is deeply distressed at the loss of her husband's medal.

"These honours are not usually inscribed and so this one is easily recognisable.

“Anyone who comes across it is asked to contact police immediately.

"Similarly, anyone with information that can assist us in locating those responsible is also asked to come forward."

Anyone with information is asked to contact Lothian and Borders Police on 0131 311 3131 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.