PRECIOUS medals belonging to one of Worcester’s greatest sons were among items stolen from a museum.

The medals belonging to renowned composer Edward Elgar were stolen when burglars broke into his birthplace - now a museum dedicated to him and his life.

Michael Smith, National Trust general manager for the South Worcestershire Portfolio, which manage The Firs, said: “What has happened is very upsetting.

“The items that have been taken are key elements of our display and are of national significance.

Elgar was appointed a member of the Order of Merit in the coronation honours list of 1911 and he was appointed a Knight Commander of the Royal Victorian Order (KCVO) in 1928 and he was given a breast star and a badge with sash.

In 1933 he was promoted within the Royal Victorian Order to Knight Grand Cross (GCVO) - these were all taken in the burglary.

A signed photograph of Elgar was also stolen.

Local response PC Nick Garth said: “I’d like to speak to anyone who may have seen or heard anything.

“We are currently investigating this burglary and appealing to the community to get in touch with any information they may have to help us with our investigation.

“The medals and the signed photograph are of high value to the National Trust and we are appealing for any information relating to their whereabouts.”

The theft occurred in the early hours of Thursday June 27.

Anyone has any information regarding this burglary or the whereabouts of the items can call 101 quoting 22/58084/19.

Among Elgar's best-known compositions are orchestral works including the Enigma Variations.

His statue stands in Worcester city centre.

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