The 61-year-old had gone to bed just after midnight and woke at about 3am to use the bathroom.

It was then that the man realised his front door wasn't shut and items were missing from his home.

A flat-screen Novatech laptop worth £150 was stolen, along with a USB memory stick, a brown leather wallet and a card holder containing various personal cards.

A lightweight black jacket and a black hooded coat with yellow markings on the back were also taken.

Police say the burglar had forced his way through the front door of the house in Fifth Street, Portsmouth, early on Friday.

PC Steven Bundy said: 'Though this incident happened in the middle of the night someone may have heard or seen something suspicious. If so, please contact the police.

'In particular the memory stick stolen held information of sentimental value to its owner and we are keen to get it back as soon as possible.'

Anyone with information should contact PC Bundy at Fratton police station on 0845 045 45 45 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.