MEDALS awarded to a war hero killed in Afghanistan have been stolen from a home in Southend.

Cruel thieves ransacked the family home in Sutton Road even moving his urn to look for more to steal, leaving the soldier’s widow and children heartbroken.

Harwich and Manningtree Standard:

Callous - thieves broken into the family home

Harwich and Manningtree Standard:

Damage - the crooks forced their way in

Harwich and Manningtree Standard:

Hero - Dutch soldier Martyn Rosier was killed by an improvised explosive device while serving in the Dutch army in Afghanistan in August 2007

Steve Thorogood, 41, a firefighter who has since married the soldier’s widow, said: “My wife and her daughters are all heartbroken.

“These people have violated her late husband, and our home.

“It is disgusting. People came out of the shops when my wife was screaming as she found out.

“When we got home she knew what had happened.

“They even moved the urn with his ashes.”

Dutch soldier Martyn Rosier was killed by an improvised explosive device while serving in the Dutch army in Afghanistan in August 2007.

The burglars also stole jewellery and other sentimental items left to his daughters.

Mr Thorogood said: “The medal was awarded to his daughter after his death and is one of honour.”

The family do not wish to disclose the name of the medal or any images of it, because they said it’s so rare.

It is described as bronze, with purple, while and blue stripes.

The break-in happened at about 11.25am, on Thursday.

Mr Thorogood said: “We want the community to keep their eyes open for the stolen items.

“Police came so quick and have been very good.

“Our son got home and found the home had been broken into.

“He called us and we rushed home, there was glass everywhere.

“Our son took our dogs, a rottweiler and a husky into the garden because of all the glass.

“The dog were cowering when we got home.”

Images of the damage and raid have been shared on social media.

An Essex Police spokesman said: "We were called shortly before midday on Thursday with reports of a burglary at an address on Sutton Road, Southend.

"It was reported that entry had been forced into the address and items including military service medals were stolen.

"If you were in the area around this time and witnessed any suspicious behaviour, please call Southend Police Station on 101, quoting crime reference 42/101317/19.

"Information can also be given completely anonymously to independent charity Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111 or visiting crimestoppers-uk.org."