Police are appealing for information after the burglary at the couple's home, in Blackhall.

The man returned home from visiting his wife at the University Hospital of Hartlepool and found the property had been ransacked.

Police say the couple's televison and jewellery the man's wife had collected over the years, as well as their silver 53-reg Skoda Fabia car, had been taken.

PC Chris Fixter, who works in Peterlee Police's dedicated burglary squad, said the incident was the latest of five house burglaries in the village this year and suspects they are all connected considering usually low burglary statistics in the area.

He said: "The man returned from hospital to find someone had got in through the patio doors and ransacked his house. To add insult to injury, his car was taken out of the garage.

"There has been a series of dwelling burglaries recently in Blackhall, including one in Glenholme Terrace, where burglars also tried to take a car, and two in East Street.

"We think someone committed a series of burglaries, possibly someone who had travelled from out of the area or maybe someone local."

He added the man went out to visit his poorly wife at the University Hospital of Hartlepool, at 2pm last Wednesday and his son checked the house before 6pm.

Police believe the burglary must have taken place between 6pm and 8.45pm, when the pensioner returned.

Officers are appealing for anyone who may have seen anyone acting suspiciously in the area to call Peterlee Police on 0345 606 0365 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.