Heartless thieves targeted the burnt-out bungalow of an 85-year-old man - days after he lost his wife.

Malcolm and Jean Wilson's home of 18 years in Silloth was gutted on Tuesday after the blaze broke out.

Jean, 80, who had a terminal condition, died two days after the fire due to her illness.

Less than 48 hours after she passed away, the devastated family were disgusted to find panels had been removed from the fence at the front of the property in Barracks Bridge.

Mr and Mrs Wilson's son Richard said he is shocked that someone could do such a thing and is appealing for anyone with information to contact the police.

"It's just like kicking a man while his down. You can't believe people would do that to be honest," he told the News & Star.

"It's a low act. It is hard to picture people doing that kind of thing. It really is unbelievable and not a thing you expect from society.

"I want to get the message out there that this thing is intolerable."

Mr Wilson and his late wife Jean had lived a happy life in the house, which belongs to Richard. Their whole lives were in that property.

"It was absolutely devastating with what has been going on. My thought was of mum," said Richard, who lives in Adelaide, Australia.

"I would hate to think that was her final thought, looking at the fire and realising dad would be homeless."

Richard says it is a blessing that he doesn't think his mum was aware of what was actually happening at the time.

The couple were taken to Silloth Nursing and Residential Care Home following the fire.

Mr Wilson, a professional model boat builder and restorer, is now staying with family members Rodney and Rosemary Brooks until further, longer term arrangements can be made for him.

About half a dozen concrete fencing panels were taken from the property on either Friday or Saturday.

A 6ft fence was put up around the property but these were taken from the property boundary.

On Tuesday evening smoke could be seen billowing from the bungalow as five crews of firefighters from across the north of Cumbria worked for almost four hours to bring the blaze under control.

Fortunately no one was injured but it was well alight.

Mr and Mrs Wilson were brought to safety by their daughter Tracey Ayres and granddaughters, Angela Cork and Amanda Ayres, but their home was left completely gutted with its roof caved in.

An investigation into the cause of the fire is ongoing.

Richard said: "It was good that family members were there when the fire broke out.

"They managed to get everyone to safety and call the emergency services."

The family are well known in the town as Richard's grandfather started Silloth Motor Company, where his dad also worked.

He expressed his gratitude to extended family, neighbours and all those in the close-knit town who had supported his family in the wake of the fire and his mum's passing.

A police spokeswoman said: "Police have received a report that, between July 18 and 20, six concrete fence panels worth £42 were stolen from the empty property at Barrack’s Bridge."

Anybody with any information can contact Cumbria Police on 101.