Two Olympic gold medals have been stolen from the family home of one of Britain’s most successful male equestrians.

The medals were won by Richard Meade during the 1972 Olympic Games in Munich and taken after burglars broke into a property near Marshfield, in south Gloucestershire.

Police believe the robbery took place between 29 October and 1 November, with several pieces of jewellery, antiques and trophies also taken.

Angela Meade, Richard’s wife, said the medals hold “a special place” in the hearts of the whole family after his death in 2015.

“We are all extremely proud of his achievements as an event rider, and whilst the medals are of very little monetary value, they are priceless to us,” she said.

“I would plead for anyone who knows the whereabouts of the medals to hand them in to the police.”

This is the second time the medals have been stolen, after they were taken from a car in the 1980s but returned after a media appeal.

The medals were left hidden in a public place, the authorities were tipped off about there whereabouts. One of the medals had been partially scratched, revealing that it was not solid gold and therefore of negligible material value.

Det Insp Danielle Underwood, from Avon and Somerset, said officers have carried out forensic and CCTV enquiries and have spoken to people living in the area.

“These items are understandably of huge sentimental importance to the victims, and they are extremely anxious for them to be returned,” she said.

“Any burglary can have a devastating impact on victims – not only is there a financial or sentimental impact, but it can also make people feel unsafe in their own homes.”

Meade, who was born in Chepstow, Monmouthshire, was one of Britain’s most successful Olympic equestrians, a triple Olympic gold medallist and the first British rider to win an individual Olympic title.

As well as the two Olympic gold medals won in Munich, he also won Olympic gold in Mexico in 1968, and five World Championship medals.

Police are encouraging anyone who has seen any of the items, saw anyone acting suspiciously in the area or has any information which could help the investigation to come forward.