Appeal after son's ashes stolen

A couple are appealing for the return of their son's ashes after they were taken during a visit to Lincolnshire.

The remains were in a handbag stolen from a car while John and Pat Wilkinson visited family graves at the Newport Cemetery in Lincoln on Tuesday.

Gary Wilkinson died of a heart attack aged 36 and his mother carried some of his ashes in a silver pot.

The couple, who live on Merseyside, said the item was worth nothing to the thief and so much to the family.

'Beyond belief'

Mr Wilkinson said they took the ashes to Lincolnshire because it was where Gary, who died in 2005, had spent many holidays.

"The handbag contained the usual things, cards, keys and cash and these can be replaced but the other thing we lost is irreplaceable.

"To take advantage of people who are remembering family at a cemetery is just beyond belief - it is the circumstances we find so hurtful."

The pot is described as small, silver and with 'Gary' engraved on the lid. It may still be in its leather carry case.