A WIDOW has been left distraught after the engagement ring given to her by her late husband was stolen in a burglary.

Linda Sandall, 67, of Scrub Lane, Hadleigh, is heartbroken that the Victorian ring, bought 43 years ago, was taken in the raid.

The break-in happened at her home while she was out and she returned to find her front door ajar and the window smashed.

Other items of jewellery had been stolen but it is her engagement ring that has caused her most heartache.

She said: “It was such a shock, it has left such a hole.

“Several items of jewellery were taken but what’s upset me the most is having my beautiful engagement ring stolen – it is irreplaceable.

“With my husband having passed away it maybe meant more to me now than ever but I cannot see me getting it back now.

“It’s so unique, if anybody should see it anywhere then it can only be my ring.”

The ring is described as 22 carat gold, with a raised, jet black, heart shaped onyx stone surrounded by diamonds.

Her husband, who passed away two years ago, had bought the Victorian ring at an antique store 43 years ago.

Builders working at a nearby house in the road reportedly saw a car going back and forth along the road, and a man with a pillowcase over his shoulder.

Ms Sandall added: “I am missing a pillow case off of my bed so they must have put the stolen items in there.”

A spokesperson for Essex Police said: “Burglars broke into a property in Scrub Lane, Hadleigh, and stole items sometime between 12noon and 3.30pm on Tuesday, April 21.”

Anyone with information is asked to call Southend CID on 101. Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or www.crime stoppers-uk.org