THE Misterton home of Beaminster tunnel victim Rosemary Snell has been burgled.

Police have described it as a despicable act that while a family and community come to terms with the death of someone so well-loved, that callous thieves can carry out such a crime.

Mrs Snell, 67, and Michael Rolfe, 72, of Fivehead, died almost instantaneously when the car they were travelling in was crushed during a landslip of mud and rubble at the entrance to the tunnel on the A3066 late on July 7. It was not until ten days later that their bodies were discovered.

Now police have revealed that sometime between July 20 and July 21 an unknown offender or offenders forced their way into Mrs Snell’s home and made off with silver items, some of which could be antiques.

Det Ch Insp Pete Warren said: “This is a despicable crime that has been committed by someone who may have deliberately targeted the property following the national media coverage.”

People have asked people to remain vigilant at car boot sales and other places where the jewellery and antiques might be sold.

Det Ch Insp Warren added: “We would also ask antique dealers to contact the police should any items be offered for sale.”

Anyone who can help is asked to call Yeovil CID on 101 or call Crimestoppers on 0800-555111.