BBC business editor Robert Peston has made a desperate plea for the return of his late wife’s engagement ring after burglars stole it from his Muswell Hill home.

Mr Peston returned home at about 11pm yesterday to discover the back door smashed in and a number of items missing - including a laptop and desktop computer.

But Mr Peston says he doesn’t care about these things. What has upset him is the loss of wife Sian Busby’s jewellery, in particular a number of items of great sentimental value.

They include a 1920s platinum and diamond engagement ring - which “is not incredibly valuable” - and a simple band ring.

Both of them first belonged to his grandmother and were given to Mr Peston by his mother to give to Ms Busby, who lost her five-year fight against lung cancer in September.

A cariad ring - or a Welsh love ring - which Mr Peston bought for his wife, was also taken.

A necklace which says ‘mum’, bought for Ms Busby by their youngest son, is missing too.

“They were things she wore all the time,” he said.

“I was going to give them to the boys as and when they get married.”

Mr Peston took to social media site Twitter this morning to appeal for their safe return.

“The reason I tweeted it is because I suddenly thought there is a very little chance, but maybe.

“Maybe some shopkeeper with a conscience will see it, or it might spark something in the burglars. I do not care about the rest of it [just the jewellery].”

A police spokesman confirmed they were investigating a burglary at a house in Muswell Hill which took place sometime between 2pm and 11pm on Wednesday, December 19.

Anyone with information is asked to call Det Sgt Gordon McKay of Haringey CID on 020 8345 0866 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.