A GREAT-grandmother whose home was burgled by heartless thieves today told how her life has been destroyed.

anthony.bond@eveningstar.co.uk.

A GREAT-grandmother whose home was burgled by heartless thieves today told how her life has been destroyed.

Eileen Perkins, 84, said she is so frightened she can no longer leave her Ipswich home and her daughter now has to live with her.

Items stolen by the callous thieves included cash which she had been saving for her four great-grandchildren and seven grandchildren. Also taken was a camera containing the first pictures of one of her great-grandchildren's first steps.

The pensioner, of London Road, said: “It just does not seem real. I do not want to go out - I do not even go shopping.

“They have destroyed my life. It is just heartbreaking. I will not answer the door anymore.

“My daughter is staying with me at the moment because I do not like being alone. They knew what they wanted and where it was.”

Also stolen were a number of items belonging to Mrs Perkins' 49-year-old daughter, Denise, including jewellery, rings, a silver charm bracelet, a jewellery box, two cameras and a laptop.

Her daughter appealed for the burglars to hand the stolen property back to the police. She said she was extremely upset by what had happened.

“I am just numb from it all,” she said. “Why was it necessary for them to do this? My mother and I would give our last penny if somebody needed help.

“My mother no longer wants to go out. They have taken away her freedom and independence. She was quite alright here and now she does not want to be alone in the house.

“I am not angry. I am just upset by it all.”

The burglary happened on April 21 between noon and 4.15pm. Anyone with information is asked to contact Dc Simon Carpenter at Ipswich CID on 01473 613500 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

Do you have a message of support for Mrs Perkins? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN or e-mail eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk