BURGLARS who struck at an elderly couple's home after the occupants had been taken to hospital have been branded as "shameful".

The home of a couple in their 80s was broken into overnight between 9pm on Thursday (July 12 and 7am on Friday 13 last week.

The break-in took place at their Gartons Lane property in Clock Face after the woman occupant had been rushed to hospital in an ambulance, accompanied by her husband.

The offenders forced entry into the house by breaking a window at the rear of the property.

An untidy search was made of the property and a number of items were taken including jewellery, consisting of a Pandora bracelet with a Bible Charm; gold chains and a pearl necklace.

They also took a safe containing cash, a cheque book and deeds to the house.

The house is equipped for a disabled person, with a hospital bed and the elderly woman received regular visits from carers. A baby monitor used to keep an eye on her has also been stolen.

Police say CCTV, witness and forensic enquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances and locate those responsible.

Community Sergeant Neil Birkett said: “This incident has left the victims extremely shaken and upset and it's shameful that there are people out there who think this behaviour is acceptable.

“We are determined to put those responsible before the courts and I would appeal to people who may have seen anything suspicious around the Gartons Lane area on Thursday into Friday to get in touch with us as soon as possible.”

Anyone who witnessed the incident or saw anything suspicious that could help is asked to contact Merseyside Police on 101 or contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously, on 0800 555 111 or via their online form at: crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information/give-information-online

Alternatively tweet @MerPolCC or Facebook Merseyside Police Contact Centre.