A couple have spoken of their heartbreak at returning from holiday to find their home broken into and personal items stolen.

A First World War service medal, family jewellery and important personal documents were all among items taken in the burglary in Annandale Drive, Beccles.

The discovery left 64-year-old couple Alistair and Pamela Riseborough devastated by their loss and nervous to be in their own home or go out.

The couple had been on a week's holiday in the Cotswalds when they returned home on Saturday to find a back window smashed and personal items taken.

'We came back after a very enjoyable relaxing holiday, and had things to do that we were looking forward to, especially seeing our grandson who we'd been missing, and we found that. It was very emotionally draining,' said Mr Riseborough.

'Imagine my wife to find all her jewellery had gone.'

A cream coloured safe, cash box and jewellery items were taken from the house, but Mr Riseborough said it was the sentimental value of the pieces, rather than the financial side that hurt the most.

One of the items taken was a long service medal belonging to his grandfather Robert William Riseborough, who was a rigger for HMS Agincourt, stationed in Portsmouth.

Other items included Union flag cufflinks that had been presented to him on his son's wedding day five years ago, while Mrs Riseborough had a gold watch, with an oblong face, taken that was given to her on her 18th birthday, as well as her aunt's ruby and diamond cluster engagement ring and mother's gold heart-shaped eternity ring.

'They are not hugely expensive but they are personal to us, the cost is not so important,' said Mr Riseborough.

Numerous personal documents including bank cards and passports were taken, as well as American dollars which Mr Riseborough has exchanged ahead of a forthcoming birding trip to California.

This means he will now have to travel to Peterborough to get a new passport, apply for a new visa and sort out a number of other documents.

'I was looking forward to having the holiday trip and have now got the hassle,' he said.

The safe also contained his car keys, meaning he has had to change the locks.

'I was terrified that would come back and steal the car,' he said.

As well as the upset and inconvenience required to replace all the documents, the couple have also been left nervous in their own home.

'We are very nervous and a bit reluctant to go out. We're also not sleeping at night, and the first few nights I went outside two or three times checking,' said Mr Riseborough

He added that it was unfortunate that not everyone in life was a 'decent' person.

'I've got no thoughts for them. I'm not one who wants to shoot them, I just hope the police catch them and they are dealt with through the courts.'

The safe, measuring 12x18x18in, was taken between 9am on Saturday, August 4 and 12.45pm the following Saturday.

Other items taken included share certificates, driving licences and a pair of green amber earrings in silver mounts.

If you have any information call DC 1173 Barnes at Waveney CID on 101.