THE family of Michael Chapman, who died aged following a brutal attack, has put up a financial reward for information on vandals who desecrated his grave.

Items including Christmas presents were stolen from the teenager's grave in Bobbing Churchyard, near Sittingbourne, on Boxing Day. Lights around the grave had also been damaged and turned off, and yobs took personal letters written to Michael by friends and family.

Flowers taken from the grave were found in a nearby bin as were some of the damaged gifts.

The vandalism was discovered by his mother Sue and brother David on their Christmas visit, and the desecration has disgusted Michael’s family.

His father Lloyd Chapman said: “This is an all-time new low, it’s no more than modern-day grave robbing, it is absolutely disgusting. No normal person would even consider stealing from the grave of a dead child.”

Mr Chapman appealed for the return of the gifts and offered an unspecified financial reward for information on the vandals.

The incident comes only 18 months after Michael died as he walked across Gore Playing Field in June 2006. He was attacked by local teenager Lee Cowie and died from a 'freak blow' to the head. Cowie, 19, admitted manslaughter and was sentenced to four years in a Youth Offenders’ Institute earlier this year. He was acquitted of murder.

Police have branded the vandalism despicable. A spokesman said: “This is a despicable act of theft by someone who has no consideration for those who left these personal items at a grave side as they continue to remember and mourn the loss of a loved one."

Anyone with information should contact Kent Police by calling 01622 690 690 or anonymously through Kent Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

See Friday's Sittingbourne Kent Messenger for the full story and pictures.