Thieves stole £1,000 a grieving widow had set aside for her husband's funeral.

The woman, who does not want to be identified, had withdrawn the cash to cover the cost of a funeral for her husband, who had only recently died.

But two days before the funeral last Friday, thieves broke into the home of the 70-year-old woman in Banbury and took the money.

The funeral went ahead as planned but Banbury police are appealing for information about anybody seen out on a spending spree.

Det Con Steve Robinson, of Banbury CID, said: "There were dozens of condolence cards around and the burglars must have realised the lady was recently bereaved.

"But that didn't stop them carrying out this callous theft. You can imagine how distraught she is. "We will welcome tip-offs about anybody who has been seen spending large amounts of ready cash in the Banbury area, perhaps in pubs, clubs or shops," he added.

Police spokesman David Campbell said the woman was very distressed over the incident and did not want to talk about it.

Any information can be passed on to the Thames Valley Police Crime- stoppers hotline on 0800 555111.

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