Thieves ruined a pensioner's birthday by stealing a sentimental ornament from her garden.

Irene Leeworthy, of the Commons, Prettygate, Colchester, woke up on her 79th birthday, last Friday, to find her garden gate open and a wooden wheelbarrow used to plant flowers had gone.

It had been a present from her daughter Chrissy Lee some years ago, and was a favourite possession of the pensioner.

Thieves had uprooted the flowers, thrown them on the floor and then wheeled the brown 2ft high barrow away.

She was so upset it marred her birthday lunch party as she did not feel like eating anything.

Mrs Lee, of Tolleshunt Knights, said: "It is awful. She was very upset. What worries me is what these people could do next.

"I want to warn other people in the area that this has happened."

Anyone with information should contact Colchester police on 01206 762212.

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