Police are hunting a gang of heartless thieves who tricked their way into the home of a 100-year-old Polish RAF hero and stole Second World War medals, jewellery and thousands of pounds in cash.
Jan Stangryciuk, who came to Britain in 1940 in order to volunteer as a gunner in the RAF, was targeted at his home in Ealing, west London, in broad daylight by three men claiming to be from a water company.
After tricking their way inside, one of the men distracted Mr Stangryciuk and his elderly wife, while the others searched for valuables.
It was only after they had left that the couple realised a number of Mr Stangryciuk’s medals, some highly sentimental jewellery and thousands of pounds of cash were missing.
The couple had been saving the money in order to visit family in Poland, whom they have not been able to see during the pandemic.
Mr Stangryciuk, who celebrated his 100th birthday in April and was proud to receive his telegram from the Queen, was left shaken and upset by the ordeal.
