A disabled woman has been left distraught after burglars ransacked her flat.

Jean Anson, 57, of Westholm Court, Bicester, suffers from arthritis and tuberculosis, which means she can only walk slowly using a stick.

She was shopping in Oxford on Monday afternoon when the burglars struck. They stole a diamond ring as well as Mrs Anson's passport and social security book.

Mrs Anson said: "They have just trashed the place. The ring was well over 100 years old. The gold band was worth £200 alone and the diamond was exquisite - I wanted to get it valued.

"All my personal papers are gone, drawers have been pulled out and my belongings are scattered everywhere. I was so shocked."

Police believe the burglars may have been responsible for two similar break-ins on the same day, in Reynard Court, off North Street. Thieves took some suitcases and a holdall from one flat, which police believe were then used to carry electrical equipment out of another flat.

The stolen goods include a television, mobile phone, video, stereo and about 100 compact discs. The total value is estimated at £2,000.

Insp David Whitaker, of Bicester Police, said: "In all three cases it seems that an offender, who must be thin or of a small build, put a hand through the letter-box and unlocked the door.

"It could have been an adult operating with a younger person. We would appeal for anyone who saw anything suspicious to contact us."

Anyone with any information can ring the Crimestoppers line on 0800 555111.

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