'I'm afraid, very afraid' (From Gazette Series)

'I'm afraid, very afraid'

A WAR HERO and his wife, both in their 80s, are being forced to move house after a burglary at their home in broad daylight.

Ronald and Nancy Harris were horrified to discover that they had been burgled when they returned home from a walk with their dogs at about 11.50am on Friday, May 6. They had been out for less than an hour.

A quantity of jewellery, including necklaces, watches and earrings, was stolen in the raid together with £450 in cash. Among the items taken was a diamond and ruby ring of great sentimental value.

"It was my husband's mum's engagement ring and we were going to give it to my granddaughter," said Mrs Harris, 82.

The couple, who were being comforted by their three adult children this week, say they now feel isolated in their own home, thinking of nothing else but what has happened to them.

"We're upset and at our age you don't want it," said Mrs Harris. "The girls come over each night to sleep here now because they worry about us."

Mr Harris, 86, served as a Royal Naval gunner on board the battleship HMS Ramillies during the Second World War and was awarded the Burma Star for his part in the Burma Campaign in 1943-45.

He was also awarded the Africa Star, the Atlantic Star, the Italian Star and the 1939-45 War Medal.

He said he feels angry and betrayed by Friday's incident.

"I am annoyed because going back a few years I fought for the country. I thought it would be better than this, now we have to put up with burglars."

This week's incident follows another about three years ago when an attempted burglary took place at their home and now the couple feel they have no option but to move.

"We feel enough is enough," said Mrs Harris. "Really I'm afraid, very afraid, and we think it is time for us to move because we've had enough of it."

The police would like to hear from anyone who has information about a black Mercedes seen in the vicinity earlier on Friday morning. Anyone who can help is asked to call Avon and Somerset police on 0845 456 7000 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111. CC