Burglary in Haslingden: stolen ring returned to owner with a note of regret

Mr Horsnell, 62, who served in the Royal Artillery, was on a fishing trip to raise money for the veterans’ charity when the ring was taken.

He said: “I was devastated when it was stolen as it was almost four years since my fiancée Tracey died.

“I was literally physically sick when I noticed it was gone. I couldn’t believe it.”

The thieves took the ring, a charm bracelet, some cash, a tablet computer and a valuable chess set on September 23.

It prompted Mr Horsnell to post this appeal on social media: “The most precious thing I own is the engagement ring I gave to Tracey on my 50th birthday and which was always in the living room with her ashes.”