A HEARTBROKEN daughter found thieves had stolen flowers from her mother's grave - less than 48 hours after the funeral.

Madeleine Hopkins is furious that more than 12 bouquets and floral arrangements were taken from Accrington Cemetery.

The tributes had been placed in memory of her 91-year-old mother Mary Veronica Charnley - known as 'Ronnie' - of nearby Avenue Parade.

Mrs Hopkins, who runs a bakers and confectioners shop in Queens Road, Great Harwood, said: "I have just lost my mother and now this. I think it is absolutely disgusting.

"People from all over the country travelled to my mum's funeral and bought flowers because she loved them but when I went to the grave on Sunday I was shocked to see they had all gone.

"It is very upsetting and especially at a time like this."

Mrs Hopkins, who lives on a farm in Whalley, says a similar thing happened when her father died and was buried in Accrington Cemetery in Burnley Road almost 14 years ago.

She said: "They disappeared from his grave as well and I just think it is terrible.

"Apart from the fact they are not cheap to buy, those sprays have been left as a mark of respect.

"I'm angry someone has just come along and taken them without a second thought."

John Davey, assistant head of environmental health at Hyndburn Borough Council, said staff at the cemetery were both mystified and saddened by the theft.

He said: "We have had trouble with vandals in the cemetery and employ a local security firm to patrol at night, but they didn't see anything and we don't normally get people stealing from graves.

"We would like to express our regret and sympathy for the family. I don't know who would want to stoop so low as to steal flowers from a grave."

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