By Hayley Robinson

A widower has been left distressed after he discovered heartless thieves had stolen flowers from his wife’s graveside.

The 61-year-old man, who doesn’t want to be named, was shocked to discover various plants and flowers worth £20 had been taken from the grave at St Laurence Church, in School Lane, Bapchild.

The theft is believed to have happened between noon on Saturday, June 26, and 6.30pm the following day.

It is the second time the grave has been targeted.

Investigating officer PC Chris Hamper, of the area crime and incident management unit at Sittingbourne police station, said: "It is not the first time plants have been taken from his wife’s graveside - some polyanthus were dug up in April. I think the thefts are probably happening at night and the flowers are probably being dug up to be sold on at boot fairs.

"We are asking local people to keep their eyes peeled and report anyone acting suspiciously in the churchyard. We are also appealing for anyone who has any information about the thefts to contact us.

"Perhaps whoever stole these plants has a conscience and realises just how upsetting this kind of theft can be for relatives and they will return them."

Anyone with any information is asked to contact on 01795 419182 quoting crime number CY/10307/10.

Alternatively contact Crimestoppers in confidence on 0800 555111.