Neelofer Majid has been left distraught and unable to sleep after nearly £1,500 of jewellery was taken in a break-in at her home.

Nursery nurse Mrs Majid, 56, returned home from a shopping trip with her husband, retired IBM worker Shaukat, 67, to find their Cosham home had been targeted.

Witnesses have told police officers that two men were seen knocking on doors in the street, apparently hoping to find an empty house to break in to.

Mrs Majid said: 'We've been married for 25 years. I was given the engagement ring in April 1982 and got married in December 1982.

'When I was giving my statement to police I was crying. They also took a watch my husband gave me for my birthday, and there were some little earrings which were given to me 24 years ago when my daughter was born. My mother gave them.

'The loss is sentimental rather than monetary. You can replace material things but I can't replace things special to me.'

The thieves struck at the house in Chatsworth Avenue, Cosham, some time between 6pm and 7.15pm on Tuesday.

It is believed that after receiving no reply when they knocked at the door the pair broke into the house by smashing a window at the side of the front door.

Anyone with information should contact PC Jacqueline Foley at Portsmouth's burglary investigation unit at Southsea Police Station on 0845 045 45 45 or (01962) 841534.