The woman, 91, was at her home in Beckenham when two men knocked on the door pretending to be boiler repairmen.

They entered her home and stole several braclets and her beloved locket that had pictures of her late mother and father – that they gave to her on her 18th birthday.

No arrests have been made but police have issued e-fits of two suspects.

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Detective Sergeant Sarah Francis said: “This horrible ordeal has left this elderly woman feeling utterly helpless.

“The stolen locket especially is of enormous and irreplaceable sentimental value. I urge any local people, or jewellers, who may have been offered such an item for sale, to please contact us immediately.”

Anyone who has information that could help police should call 101 reference CAD 5016/27JUN or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.