A family is urging sneak thieves to return jewellery of sentimental value, stolen only three days after the owner died.

Relatives gathered up the treasured personal belongings of 83-year-old Phyllis Norman and took them home after she died from pneumonia and a stroke at St Luke's Hospital, Bradford.

But the mean thieves sneaked into the home of her daughter, Margaret Long, in Denbrook Avenue, Tong Street - pictured with her sister Sandra Lumb - and took Mrs Norman's handbag from the kitchen.

The bag contained a purse with £100 in it, her pension book and jewellery, including expensive bracelets and a pair of earrings which had been bought as a present for Mrs Norman by one of her 19 grandchildren.

Mrs Norman's son-in-law, David Lumb, said the jewellery was of great sentimental value and urged anyone who could help return it to come forward.

He said: "I don't know whether these thieves knew someone had died or not, but they were as bold as brass.

"The bag was under a coat in the kitchen and it seems they just walked in and took it, then strolled back out, closing the door behind them.

"The jewellery was of great sentimental value to the family and we just want it returned. If anyone can help in any way to reunite us with it we just want to hear from them."

West Yorkshire Police confirmed the burglary was reported after a man heard his car alarm go off. He spotted a stockily-built man running out of his garden and get into a car, driving off towards Tong Street.

The motorist went back into the house to find that a mobile phone and handbag had been taken from the kitchen.

The suspect had gained entry through an unlocked door. Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 0845 6060606.