Woman’s house burgled while she was at dying husband's bedside

The 63-year-old woman said: 'I haven’t been able to grieve for my husband. I’ve not only just lost him, but I’ve lost so much of ‘us’ in everything they’ve taken'

Four men and two women have been arrested on suspicion of murdering Lee Irving, ranging in age from 20 to 50 years old (Getty)

A woman’s house was burgled while she visited her dying husband in hospital as he lost a seven-month battle against cancer.

The 63-year-old woman, who wishes to remain anonymous, had been at Russells Hall Hospital in Dudley throughout the day with her seriously ill husband, who passed away at 7.30pm on Wednesday.

She discovered the break-in when she returned to the family home, shortly after her husband’s death.

Items taken from the home included a tablet, a digital camera and a phone – all containing priceless family photos.

“After a seven month battle with cancer I said goodbye to my husband, the man I love so much,” the victim said. “To find our home broken into, a home that we had built together, there are just no words.

“I haven’t been able to grieve for my husband. I’ve not only just lost him, but I’ve lost so much of ‘us’ in everything they’ve taken.”

Detective Constable Shelley Punshon, from West Midlands Police, said: “I can’t even begin to understand how painful it must be to return home to a burglary just hours after the death of your husband.

CCTV still released by West Midlands Police (West Midlands Police)

“We’re committed to bringing the people responsible for this crime to justice and are keen to hear from anyone who may be able to assist with this investigation.

“Someone is going to know who did this, but they may not know the full circumstances of what the home owner was going through. I’d urge them to do search their conscience and do the right thing.”

Police have also released two CCTV stills taken from the area which show a young man and a van which they want to trace in connection with the burglary.