RELATIVES of a teenager killed in a road accident say they have been “knocked for six” after floral tributes were stolen from the site where the tragedy happened.

Flowers and cards had been left at the site in Bridge Street, Dover, near two permanent plaques erected in memory of 14-year-old Jessica Leigh.

Jessica was killed as she crossed the junction with Bridge Street in September 2002.

The tributes had been left to mark the two-year anniversary of her death on September 6.

A large pink and lilac heart which had been screwed to the plaque had also been taken.

Jessica’s mother, Tina Leigh, said: “We are just so upset and this has knocked us for six. Who could have done a thing like this?

“It is shocking. Absolutely everything, the whole display, has gone. The flowers and tributes were all very unassuming, and most people in the town know what they signify.

“The pink heart was very eye-catching. My husband, Tony, stuck and nailed that to the wall, so whoever took it must have really had to wrench it off the wall.”

Det Sgt John Kemp, of Kent Police, said: “This has been upsetting for Jessica’s family and was a heartless, cruel act. The person or people responsible should be thoroughly ashamed. “

Jonathan Lewis, managing director of Clear Channel Billboards, who own advertising hoardings at the site, said the company was sorry to hear of the news, and extended their thoughts to the Leighs.

The Leigh family have also been campaigning for stiffer penalties for those who kill through careless or dangerous driving, after the driver of the car that killed Jessica received a fine and six penalty points.

In November they will present a petition to Downing Street. It contgains about 13,000 signatures and has the support of Dover MP Gwyn Prosser.

Anyone with information on the incident at the crash site is asked to contact Kent Police on 01304 240055.