THE family of murdered teenager Ashley Dighton have been left devastated this week after thieves raided the shrine at the site where his decomposed body was found.

When heartbroken father Ambrose and his 15-year-old daughter Shouni, from Nine Acres, Kennington in Ashford, made their regular visit to the woodland site on Sunday to place fresh flowers, they were horrified to find their memorial partially destroyed.

Since Ashley’s remains were found behind Sainsbury’s supermarket on the Warren Retail Park and identified last July, the family has established a hallowed area where they can meet and remember the popular 19-year-old.

Around photographs of the murder teenager at the site, they planted four miniature rose bushes and placed four silk roses.

But on their latest visit, they found two of the plants and three of the silk flowers, including one left by Shouni, had been stolen.

Still distressed by the cruel theft, Mr Dighton admitted this week that his feelings towards the offenders would be unprintable.

He said: “They should show some respect and my family, particularly my youngest child, is very upset by this heartless action.”

With the killer still free, it is the latest body blow for a family convinced that someone in Ashford must have information that could solve the brutal murder.

No decision has yet been made on Mr Dighton’s request to police for an appeal for information on the BBC television Crimewatch show, but another later night television show has made inquiries about featuring the case.

Anyone with information should contact Det Ch Insp Dave Waters and his team on 01622 654860 or Kent CrimeStoppers on 0800 555 111.