A former police officer and his wife have been left "distraught" after thieves stole hundreds of pounds they had been saving to cover their own funeral costs.

Officers from Blendon and Penhill Police took to Facebook to share the news of the theft, which took place in Viewfield Road, Bexley

"The suspects have virtually barged their way into the back garden and told the victims that they had cut some branches from a neighbours tree and that they needed paying by them to do the tree their side," the post said.

"They were charged £460. During the time there, one of the suspects has asked to use the toilet and during that time has got into the safe and stolen a large amount of jewellery and a large amount of cash."

But what made this worse is that the the cash was kept for the victims' funerals, as they didn't want their family to have to find the money when the time comes.

"The British Empire for Gallantry Winning former police officer and his wife are obviously distraught," the post continued.

"We have been round to try to offer some reassurance and will be visiting regularly to make sure they are okay.

"Crimes like this don't really get any lower."

Police said that this crime is being investigated.