A thief who stole a 93-year-old widow's treasured teddy bear may have thought it was an expensive antique.

The distraction burglar called at Lily Currill's home in London Road, Headington, Oxford, saying that he had been sent to clean her ornaments.

She let him in and once inside, he snatched the teddy bear and her father's First World War medal from her living room before making off.

The teddy bear was made by Mrs Currill's late sister, Rose.

Mrs Currill's family believe the burglar may have thought the toy was a valuable antique Steiff bear.

Devastated: Lily with another teddy bear, also made by her sister

Her niece, Brenda Currill, said: "We think that he took the teddy bear because he may have thought it was one of those famous teddy bears which have a stud in their

ear.

"It did not have a stud in its ear, but it looked old.

"The teddy was her treasured possession. There is just a large empty space where the teddy used to sit.

"We have not been able to get a description of the man because she gets very confused.

"How these men can prey on old people is despicable."

Mrs Currill also gave the burglar cash after he promised to buy a new gas cylinder for her fire.

Burglars tried to break into her home again on Saturday, but were prevented by the door lock. Mrs Currill is now staying with her niece and nephew.

Brenda Currill said: "This has really knocked her for six. She doesn't know where she is or what she is doing."

Police today repeated their warning, particularly to the elderly, not to let strangers in without making sure they have bona fide identification.

Det Con Jim Huntley said: "This was a despicable crime. We would like to hear from anyone who saw suspicious vehicles in the area during the early evening of February 6."