A COUPLE whose baby son died of meningitis just over a year ago, has been dealt a body blow after heartless thieves ripped an ornament from his graveside and desecrated most of the area.

Paul and Julie Cunliffe, from Carr Mill, discovered the sick theft when they visited baby Anthony's grave at St Helens Cemetery on Sunday, June 18. Thieves had pulled up a musical water fountain which Paul had cemented to the grave."

A devastated Paul told the Star: "We visit Anthony's grave about three or four times a week and the last time we went before Sunday was Friday (June 16th) so it happened sometime between then. The worse thing is that this isn't the first time it has happened. In the past, thieves have stolen a set of Rosary beads and a lantern, both of which were glued to the grave. I am sure it isn't just kids."

The couple, who now have a three week old baby girl, Rebecca, were destroyed by the latest theft.

Paul added: "Anthony was only seven months when he died and there is a picture of him on the grave so they know who they are stealing from. The ornament can't even have been that valuable to them but it was worth a lot to us. It feels like an insult to Anthony's memory."

Police are stepping up security in the cemetery and anyone with information should contact the St Helens IMU on 0151 777 6969 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.