jbullen@thekmgroup.co.uk

A mother has been left 'heartbroken' after thieves stole ornaments off her young daughter's grave.

Trudie Mitchell, 53, visits her daughter's grave at St Mary's Church in Valley Road, Fawkham, travelling down from Bedfordshire every six weeks .

Her four-year-old daughter Katie Green was buried in the churchyard in March 1985.

She and her husband Dennis, 67, have placed more than 20 fairy ornaments to mark birthdays, anniversaries and Christmases.

But on Sunday, the couple discovered many of these had been stolen and are now anxiously waiting to see if they will be returned.

Trudie said: "On Sunday, we were in the car coming down and talking about [internet] trolling and wondering how anyone can do that and now this happens.

"I'm angry but hurt is overriding at the moment. The fairies were so important to me, it was part of my grieving process.

"Losing a child is somthing which no one will ever get over but to go through this is heartbreaking again.

"Now I don't know whether to put the fairies back on, I feel restricted in putting tributes on my child's grave."

The couple said they bought the fairies from places across the country.

Trudie added: "To me the fairies are spiritual and free and I thought it was sweet for a child, it was moving."

Dennis said: "It's just mindless, I'm angry at the grief that someone has caused Trudie, this has made her feel ill."

The couple reported the incident to the police who confirmed they are now investigating a theft.

If you know any information please contact Tonbridge CID on 01732 379170 or Kent Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111 quoting crime number BY/13248/11.