GB Olympians have 2012 medals stolen

Olympic rower Alex Partridge says he is devastated after he and hockey player Hannah Macleod had their London 2012 bronze medals stolen.

They were out celebrating with other Team GB members in the capital after a Buckingham Palace reception on Tuesday when the medals went missing.

Partridge's medal was inside a blazer which was taken in the early hours.

The 31-year-old told BBC Sport: "It's very, very upsetting. It would mean everything to me to get them back."

Partridge, whose bronze in the men's eight followed a silver medal at the Beijing Olympics in 2008, added: "I worked for 12 years of my life to try to achieve something at the Olympic Games and that's what I've got to show for it.

"While we were out and dancing away, I noticed I'd misplaced my blazer. In the morning I thought one of the other Olympians must have picked it up by accident, but no-one had it.

"I always say to people it's not about the medal, it's about the journey but I guess you don't appreciate the value of it until it's not there.

"It was only when I picked up my 16-month-old daughter from nursery it really dawned on me. If it doesn't come back she won't see everything I worked for, which was a representation of being in the best British Olympic team and possibly the best Olympics ever."

A Metropolitan Police spokesman said it was investigating reports of an Olympic medal and blazer being stolen from an event in Mayfair, although the force had yet to be contacted about a second stolen medal.

"It was believed the items were taken between midnight and 5am on Wednesday, 24 October. No arrests have been made. Inquiries are ongoing and the property is still outstanding," he said.

Olympic and Paralympic stars had earlier been invited to Buckingham Palace to mark their achievements along with the Queen, Duke of Edinburgh, Duchess of Cambridge, Prime Minister David Cameron and London 2012 chief Lord Coe.

Henley-based Partridge and 28-year-old Macleod used their Twitter accounts to appeal for information about the missing medals.

"Someone else might have it right now and if they do, I'd really appreciate having the medal back and the blazer, which had two pins on it representing the silver medal in Beijing and taking part in London 2012," said US-born Partridge.

Macleod, who hails from Boston in Lincolnshire, was a member of the women's team who beat New Zealand to secure a medal.

Police say anyone with information should call 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

-BBC