Burglars have stolen money put aside to pay for the funeral of a much-loved dad.

The thieves swiped the cash from the home of Aleesha Billson who planned to use it to pay for the ceremony for her father, Kevin.

The 51-year-old was found dead at his home in Canterbury on Sunday, July 14.

An inquest was opened on Monday, July 22 into the circumstances, which are not believed to be suspicious, and adjourned.

The theft happened shortly after 3pm last Thursday, July 18 when intruders are said to have forced a rear door to Aleesha's home in Baker's Lane, Chartham.

Her brother Tyler branded them "scumbags" and now he and his sisters Aleesha and Tia have started a fundraising appeal to replace the stolen cash for the funeral expenses.

In a moving tribute on her Facebook page, Tia wrote: "One whole week without my rock, I’ve never known nothing like this, the one person I feel the need to speak to isn’t here to listen and my heart breaks.

"My first role-model you’re so appreciated and loved my whole world wrapped into one incredibly talented man. I love you more and more my dad."

The family hope to raise £4,000 to give their father "the best of everything" for his send off and already almost £1,120 has been donated.

Writing on her Facebook page, former Canterbury College student Aleesha said: "Thank you so so much to everyone who has supported us and donated or are going to donate. Your kindness is so comforting at such a hard time for our family."

A police spokesman said inquiries into the incident are ongoing and anyone with information should call the appeal line on 01843 222289 quoting reference 46/138469/19 or cll Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or complete the online form at www.crimestoppers-uk.org

Read more: All the latest news from Canterbury

To donate to the funeral appeal, click here