Thousands of pounds worth of rare and sentimental jewellery has been stolen after a cruel thief targeted a house in Northenden.

A wedding ring, a commemorative World War Two medal and even two Christening bracelets were stolen when the intruder broke into the house on Cedarwood Close at about 6.30pm on 3 January 2015.

The burglar removed a section of the kitchen window using some sort of weapon, and once inside ransacked the entire property, stealing thousands of pounds worth of jewellery, a 55-inch TV and a games console.

As he attempted to escape, he was disturbed by a neighbour, causing him to discard the expensive electrical items and jump over a wall with a bag stuffed full of the stolen jewellery.

Police have now issued pictures of the stolen jewellery and are urging anyone who is offered these pieces to come forward.

Among the items stolen was a bespoke wedding ring, an 18 carat gold ring given as a 21st birthday present and an 18 carat ring belonging to the family’s great aunt, a Princess diamond ring and a number of high-value watches.

The thief also stole two silver Christening bracelets, one of which is engraved with the name ‘Talitha’ and a World War Two Monte Cassino 45th anniversary medal, which includes the outline of the foot of Italy, with a ribbon bearing the colours of the Italian flag and engraved with the name ‘J Clements’ and his trooper number ‘7951289’.

The thief is described as being white, about 6ft tall and wearing a black jacket, a grey hooded jumper, dark jeans and Converse-style trainers.

Detective Constable Louise Moss said: “The pieces stolen by this cruel thief are of enormous sentimental value to the family.

“The jewellery has been collected over many years and there is clearly an emotional attachment to these pieces, particularly the custom-made wedding ring, the war medal and two Christening bracelets.

“Insurance cannot cover these items – they are irreplaceable so we need to not only trace the offender but also reunite the family with what is rightfully theirs.

“I would firstly appeal to anyone who saw a man matching the above description hanging around the area, perhaps canvassing this home, to come forward.

“Secondly, the only way this thief can profit if is he tries to sell these pieces on. I would therefore ask that people are extremely vigilant when being offered any of this jewellery. We have issued a number of pictures of the stolen pieces so if you are offered these or see them for sale on eBay or other internet auction sites then please contact police immediately.”