Loved one's ashes stolen in Christmas burglary

A box containing a relative's ashes was among the items stolen from a family's home over Christmas, police have said.

Merseyside Police said the "distressing" burglary, in which designer watches and a large television were also taken, happened between 16:00 GMT on 22 December and 12:00 on 28 December at a house in Hollow Drive, Thornton, Sefton.

Two Fossil watches (one pink gold with a blue flowered face and one blue and gold) were stolen along with a Samsung TV. The dark green and black box contained the ashes of a family member.

Det Insp Edward Barr said: "This was a very distressing experience for the victim whose main concern are the ashes that were taken."

He added: "To them, the value of such a sentimental item is immeasurable.

"I would urge anyone who was on Hollow Drive between 22 December to 28 December and saw anything suspicious to please contact us.

"We would also ask any residents in the area to check their dashcam, CCTV or doorbell footage to see if they may have captured something which may be vital to the investigation."

He said people can upload footage to the force's dedicated portal.

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