A 92-year-old stalwart of the community who has fostered more than 70 children was targeted by thieves while he lay in his bed.

Frederick Edwards, of Springfield Drive, in Abingdon, opened his heart after the raid on Friday night.

Mr Edwards, a former chief inspector of the volunteer special police, was woken by a burglar who was rummaging around his bedroom.

He said all he could do was sit and watch as the thief tore apart his room.

Mr Edwards added: "I have spent all my life taking these boys out of children's homes and giving them a better start than they had.

"I go to church every Sunday and this is the thanks I get. I think the man who did this is a complete rotter. Why would you prey on old people?

"I think it's just wrong."

Mr Edwards has been a pillar of the Abingdon community for the past 60 years and was awarded the Queen's Silver Jubilee medal for his police service in 1977, and the Mayor's Award for his service to the people of Abingdon in 1999.

He was a market inspector for decades and only stopped helping in November last year.

Mr Edwards, a World War Two veteran, said the crook then had the audacity to spend 30 minutes going through his belongings, before smashing open his antique bureau and grabbing £250.

He said: "I kept that money here to pay for my three carers, but I won't do that again. I have learnt not to keep money in the house any more."

Describing the scene of devastation left behind by the thief, Mr Edward's said his home had been "left in a complete mess".

He said: "When he came into my room and I woke up I was still half asleep, I was confused and wondered what was going on.

"He smashed the locks off all my cabinets and wardrobes and he smashed my conservatory window to get in.

"I just feel lucky I'm still here to talk about it, anything could have happened."

Mr Edwards, who suffers from a heart condition, was left so shaken up by the experience he had to be taken to the John Radcliffe Hospital, in Oxford, and kept in overnight.

He said: "I feel a bit better now, I am just angry about what has happened and want this person caught and locked up."

Former Abingdon Mayor and current councillor Audrey Tamplin said she was shocked and disgusted by what had happened.

She said: "Fred was a real figure in the community and I can't begin to tell you all of the things that he was involved in.

"I remember I would always see him and his twin brother, Burt, dashing about in a different uniform. Fred ran the market here and everyone knew who he was.

"I think what has happened to him is appalling and I would like to send him all my best regards and wish him a very speedy recovery from this nasty shock."

Police believe the break-in could be connected to another burglary in Ladygrove Paddock, Abingdon, on the same evening and believe two men, both youths, were involved.

Pc Stephen Knight, investigating the burglaries said: "These were particularly alarming incidents where the victims have been asleep at the time of the burglary.

"Residents may have seen two men acting suspiciously or seen a vehicle in the area that they didn't recognise."

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Pc King on 08458 505 505.