Widower left 'heartbroken' after burglars stole his wife's ashes as he slept
A widower has been left "heartbroken" after burglars stole his wife's ashes as he slept.
Thieves broke into 93-year-old Eric Doubleday’s home in Abridge, Essex, at about 5am on 11 April.
They stole a number of items including a mahogany wooden box containing Doubleday's 91-year-old wife Doris’ ashes.
The box has plaque on the lid that reads ‘Doris Marie Doubleday 1930-2021’.
The couple’s granddaughter, Ella Terry, said: “My grandparents had been married for over 70 years.
“We only lost my nan in February this year so to now have had her ashes stolen is even more heart-breaking.
A widower and his family are heartbroken after callous burglars stole his wife’s ashes.
Thieves broke into the 93-year-old’s home in #Abridge while he was asleep.
We will do everything we can to bring these heartless offenders to justice.
READ:https://t.co/QpRJ6XHWF4 pic.twitter.com/DNyXfAGmeS— Essex Police (@EssexPoliceUK) April 16, 2021
“The other items stolen were just material things.
“Obviously we would like to get everything back but if we could choose only one, it would be nan’s ashes.
“This has broken my grandad’s heart, along with all of us as a family.
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“Not only are we still grieving her loss, we now have been left without her ashes.”
Essex Police said on Twitter they would "do everything we can to bring these heartless offenders to jutice".
PC Thomas Tod said: “To do this to a family who are already grieving is devastating and cruel.
“We are progressing our enquiries and will do everything we can to bring people to justice.
“I urge anyone who saw or heard anything in the area at the time, or has any information, to please contact us.”
Anyone with information can contact Loughton CID quoting reference 42/65250/21 or submit a report online.
Information can also be given anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
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