THIEVES have made off with a CBE medal belonging to an 80-year-old after breaking into a home in Headington.

Thames Valley Police said the 'sentimental' medal was stolen from Professor Denis Noble when his home in Old London Road was broken into overnight on Tuesday.

The thieves forced their way into the back when nobody was in and took the CBE medal which was awarded to its owner by Her Majesty the Queen in the 1998 Birthday Honour's List.

Investigating officer, PC Simon Collins of Cowley neighbourhood policing team, said: "If you have any information about this incident or the stolen medal, which is of great sentimental value to the victim, please contact me."