Theft in Haslingden: Stolen ring returned to owner with apology note

Mr Horsnell, 62, who served in the Royal Artillery, was on a charity fundraising trip for veterans when the ring was bought.

He said: “I was heartbroken when it was stolen as it has been almost four years since my fiancee Tracey died.

“I was literally physically sick when I realized he was gone, I couldn’t believe it.”

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

This prompted Mr Horsnell to post the following appeal on social media: “The most precious thing I have is the engagement ring I gave Tracey for my 50th birthday and which is always in the living room next to her ashes.”