A DAUGHTER has been left devastated after burglars broke into her home and stole her late father's war medals just days before VE Day.

The raiders made off with the four medals belonging to Leslie Ernest Collin, who died four years ago aged 89, after the break in at the house in Edgworth.

Mr Collin, who was living at the house before his death, served in the Royal Air Force during World War Two and was awarded the medals for bravery and for long service in the police force.

His daughter, who asked for her name not to be reported for security reasons, said: "I always used to wear the medals with pride on Remembrance Sunday.

"He would have been devastated that he could not wear his medals on VE Day. When you know people have been in your home it does not feel the same.

"You get to grips with the practical side like insurance companies and the rest of it, and it's only when its quiet it sinks in."

His son-in-law served in the Army, achieving the rank of Colonel, and also had three medals stolen in the raid.

The couple had to cut short a visit to Australia to see family after being alerted to the break-in by credit card companies

Mr Collin's son-in-law said: "We were shocked, distraught. You don't really believe it can happen to you.

"How did they know we were away? My wife was in tears. She felt it quite deeply."

The couple had to endure the long trip back, via Hong Kong, before walking back into their ransacked home.

About £5,200 worth of goods were stolen in the raid, according to police.

The house's alarm sounded after the thieves had climbed up to a first-floor window to get inside the house.

Along with the medals, the thieves stole computers, a two-month-old Mini Cooper and priceless items of family jewellery.

Mr Collin was an air gunner in the RAF, achieving the rank of sergeant, flying Catalina planes, operating in the Indian Ocean for much of his service.

The task for his squad was to search the seas for submarines and attacking them with depth charges where necessary.

The police medal, awarded to Mr Collin in 1974 when he retired, had PC LE Collin Surrey Constabulary etched round the edge. It accompanies a Burma Star and Atlantic Service medal.

Mr Collin's son-in-law's medals are engraved around the edges with Col. Davenport 516207 Staff.

The couple's daughter found their Mini Cooper in Halliwell, Bolton, while the thieves tried to use the credit cards stolen in shops in Halliwell and the town centre.

Police have arrested two men on suspicion of burglary, but enquiries are ongoing.

A spokesman for Lancashire Constabulary said: "We were called to a burglary which took place at some point between 10am and 10.30am on May 3.

"It appears the offenders have climbed on top of a conservatory to gain entrance through an upstairs window.

"They have conducted a thorough search of the property before making off."

"About £5,200 of goods were taken."

Anyone with information should call 101 or 0161 8565761.