Police are searching for a thief who took gold rings from a dying pensioner's fingers as she lay in a hospital bed.

Margaret Curry, a 98-year-old retired teacher from Altrincham, Cheshire, was the victim of a theft at Wythenshawe hospital, Manchester, between Monday night and Tuesday morning. She died in the hospital three days later.

The stolen rings were a gold emerald and diamond cluster ring, and an oval sapphire surrounded by diamonds on a gold band, her engagement ring.

Her son, Robert Curry, described it as "a disgusting event to happen to a dying old lady, particularly in hospital where we all felt that she would be safe". He asked for whoever had stolen the rings to search their conscience and realise that the jewellery meant much more than its monetary value.

Chris Ball, a constable from Greater Manchester police, said: "I would ask the offender to take a long hard look at themselves ... and realise how much unnecessary hurt they have caused Margaret's family at an already difficult time."

He said the rings were of great sentimental value to her family. The robbery was "despicable."