A burglar targeted the home of a seriously ill 79-year-old man while he was in Northgate Hospital in Yarmouth receiving physiotherapy. The break-in happened in Conway Road, Gorleston, and a bottle of drink and a mobile phone were stolen.

A burglar targeted the home of a seriously ill 79-year-old man while he was in Northgate Hospital in Yarmouth receiving physiotherapy. The break-in happened in Conway Road, Gorleston, and a bottle of drink and a mobile phone were stolen.

The pensioner, who did want to be identified, has had a lung removed because of cancer, suffered a stroke and has had a hip replacement. He said he did not understand how anyone could burgle an old person's home.

Det Con Kevin Maskell, the detective leading the investigation, said: “This was a heartless and nasty crime.”

Anyone with information on the burglary, which happened some time between 10.30am and noon on Wednesday July 2 can call police on 0845 4564567.