Scavengers ransack grandmother's house hours after death

Marie Spring's house in Ponders End, north London, was targeted by thieves on Sunday afternoon after the 94-year-old had died that morning.

Her daughter, Christine Comolli, 64, today pleaded for the criminals to return her mother's engagement ring, which was taken along with other pieces of jewellery and has extreme sentimental value.

"It's a freakish coincidence," said Christine. "She lived in that house for 74 years and it was not burgled once, so for that to happen on the same day she died is extremely upsetting.

"We went to the house that evening and found all the drawers turned out - it was horrendous. In some ways we're consoling ourselves that it happened after she died, even though it was only a few hours. If she had been inside at the same time it would've killed her."

Christine said her mother, who had 15 great-grandchildren, usually took her jewellery with her whenever she went away.

She said the family are prepared to offer a substantial reward for the return of the ring, which is platinum with a central diamond and smaller diamonds built up around it.

Christine added: "These thieves are not human - they are despicable people. It is obvious this is an old lady's house. How could they go through it like this? She was a lovely woman who never had a day's illness and looked after herself right to the end. She was extremely house proud.

"My father gave that ring to her when they were in their 20s. I thought I would keep it all my life and then pass it on to my daughters."

A police spokeswoman said: "The burglars entered the property by forcing open the rear door which was left secure. We are still awaiting information from the victim's family on what exactly has been taken but it is believed a quantity of jewellery was stolen."

Anyone with information can call the burglary and robbery squad on 020 8345 3390 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.